The United States of America currently finds itself immersed in a nationwide ‘law and order’ crisis. This situation has arisen due to violent protests that are fueled predominantly by rage over racial disparities and the unchecked use of police force. The turmoil was initiated by peaceful demonstrations protesting the death of an African-American man while in police custody in Minneapolis, a major city in the US.
These peaceful protests have since escalated, and now numerous cities all over the US have imposed curfews. Such widespread curfews have not been witnessed since the riots that were triggered by the 1968 assassination of civil rights advocate Martin Luther King Jr.
The Controversial Role of Antifa
The president of the USA has pointed fingers at Antifa, a known political movement, for inciting the violent protest that has engulfed the nation. This umbrella term for anti-fascist protestors first came into the limelight in 2017 after a sequence of events led to increased visibility for these protestors.
The future could potentially see Antifa being deemed as a terrorist faction by the American government, even though the laws in the US currently lack any statute that allows for violent domestic groups to be labeled as terrorists. This is a provision that exists only for foreign entities like Islamic State or Al-Qaeda.
Understanding Antifa
Antifa, an acronym for “Anti-fascism,” got its name from socialist “anti-fa” groups that attempted to confront the rising influence of Adolf Hitler’s Nazis in Germany during the early 1930s. The movement was established in the Rose City Antifa of Portland, Oregon (USA) in 2007 with the objective of shutting down a neo-Nazi skinhead music festival named Hammerfest.
Beliefs and Membership of Antifa
Antifa covers a broad spectrum of social justice subjects. The movement envisions a world devoid of fascism, racism, sexism, homo/trans-phobia, and Islamophobia. It also prioritizes countering the rise of neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. Moreover, it represents one of several activist groups that have emerged over recent years to counteract the far-right.
Antifa is more a philosophy shared by activists rather than an organization with leaders and followers. It operates as autonomous local cells that work secretly without any official leaders.
Unique Protest Methods of Antifa
Members of Antifa usually dress in black and frequently don masks during their demonstrations. Despite its violent nature, which sets it apart, the group also engages in peaceful protests. Moreover, Antifa criticizes mainstream liberal politicians for their inaction and members often confront their conservative adversaries physically. Apart from public counter-protests, members of Antifa manage websites that monitor white extremist and ultra-right groups.
Understanding Fascism
Fascism is an authoritarian ideology known for promoting ultranationalism. It opposes Liberalism, Marxism, and Anarchism, positioning itself on the far-right of the traditional left–right political spectrum. Characteristics of Fascism typically include dictatorial power, violent suppression of opposition, and strict control of society and economy.
Origins and Spread of Fascism
The term ‘fascism’ originated from Italy where it was used for a movement started by Benito Mussolini. It gained prominence in Europe during the early 20th-century. The first fascist movements appeared in Italy during World War I before spreading to other European nations. Countries like Germany, Spain, and Argentina have also experienced fascist regimes or elements of them under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, Francisco Franco, and Juan Perón respectively.