Conspirituality Podcast Episode Summary: "Brief: Antifascist Woodshed"

Release Date: February 22, 2025
Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Episode Title: Brief: Antifascist Woodshed

Introduction

In the "Antifascist Woodshed" episode of the Conspirituality podcast, host Derek Beres delves into a curated selection of six pivotal books that explore the nature of fascism and strategies to combat its rise. This episode serves as an educational guide, aiming to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of fascist movements and effective anti-fascist responses.

Overview of the Episode

Derek introduces the episode by outlining the six books under review:

1. "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder (2017)
2. "Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert Paxton (2004)
3. "How to Fight Fascism" by Paul Mason (2018)
4. "The Anti-Fascist Handbook" by Mark Bray (2017)
5. "Technique de Coup d'Etat" by Curzio Malaparte (1931)
6. "40 Ways to Fight Fascists: Street Legal Tactics for Community Activists" by Spencer Sunshine (2021)

Derek acknowledges the lack of diversity in the selection but indicates plans to address this in future episodes. He positions himself within the ideological spectrum, aligning with leftist perspectives that view fascism as an inherent exacerbation of capitalist and colonial structures requiring systemic change.

Detailed Book Reviews

1. "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder

Pros:

• Concise and Accessible: At 78 pages, Snyder's pamphlet is praised for its brevity and ability to engage readers quickly.
• Practical Advice: Snyder offers actionable tips such as fostering community through neighborly interactions and maintaining personal courage ([10:15] Derek).

Cons:

• Over-Simplicity: Derek criticizes the book for being too simplistic, suitable mainly for social media dissemination rather than deep analysis.
• Lack of Critical Depth: Snyder's work is seen as lacking in addressing systemic issues like capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism, reducing complex phenomena to psychological advice ([12:45] Derek).

Notable Quote:
"Don’t obey in advance." — Snyder ([10:15])

2. "Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert Paxton

Pros:

• Comprehensive Analysis: Paxton’s extensive examination of over a century of fascist movements is lauded for its depth and precision.
• Behavior-Focused Definition: Fascism is defined by actions and behaviors rather than aesthetics, emphasizing the diverse manifestations of fascist movements ([15:30] Derek).

Cons:

• Limited Perspective: Criticized for lacking focus on intersecting issues like patriarchy and racism, possibly due to Paxton's demographic (93-year-old white male) which may introduce blind spots.

Notable Quote:
"Fascism is a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood..." — Paxton ([16:00] Derek).

3. "How to Fight Fascism" by Paul Mason

Pros:

• Pragmatic Approach: Mason advocates for collaboration and compromise among leftists and centrists to effectively counter fascism.
• Historical Insights: He draws lessons from past alliances, such as the Popular Front in 1930s France, highlighting the importance of cultural movements in anti-fascist efforts ([20:10] Derek).

Cons:

• Complex Alliances: Mason’s emphasis on compromise may lead to internal conflicts and diluted anti-fascist strategies.

4. "The Anti-Fascist Handbook" by Mark Bray

Pros:

• Insider Perspective: Bray provides a detailed look into contemporary anti-fascist activism, emphasizing collective self-defense and community-based strategies.
• Transnational Focus: The book highlights global anti-fascist movements, offering a broad view of the struggle against far-right extremism ([23:00] Derek).

Cons:

• Controversial Reception: Post-Charlottesville, Bray faced significant backlash and misinformation, challenging the perception of anti-fascism ([24:00] Derek).

Notable Interaction:
During a C-SPAN call-in at [25:30], a listener challenges Bray's stance by equating leftist actions with historical fascism. Bray responds by clarifying his anti-Stalinist position and distinguishing anti-fascist actions from fascist tendencies.

5. "Technique de Coup d'Etat" by Curzio Malaparte

Pros:

• Tactical Insights: Malaparte's analysis focuses on the mechanics of successful coups, emphasizing the importance of controlling technical assets ([28:00] Derek).

Cons:

• Historical Context: As a 1931 publication, some strategies may require adaptation to modern contexts, particularly concerning digital assets like data servers.

6. "40 Ways to Fight Fascists" by Spencer Sunshine

Pros:

• Practical Guide: Sunshine offers 40 actionable, legal tactics for community activists to counteract fascist activities.
• Inclusivity: The strategies are designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels ([30:00] Derek).

Cons:

• Limited Scope: While practical, the book may not address deeper systemic issues driving fascist movements.

Notable Quote:
"In January of 2017, alt-right leader Richard Spencer was punched in the face during a demonstration..." — Sunshine ([29:15] Derek).

Key Themes and Discussions

Defining Fascism

Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding fascism beyond superficial traits, focusing on behaviors and systemic impacts. Robert Paxton’s definition underscores fascism’s obsession with societal decline and the pursuit of unity through compulsion and violence.

Left vs. Liberal Approaches

The episode contrasts liberal strategies, which advocate for institutional defense and rational discourse, with leftist approaches that call for structural societal changes and direct action. Derek aligns with the latter, arguing that liberal methods often fall short in effectively combating fascism.

Anti-Fascism Strategies

Mark Bray’s insights highlight the necessity of both symbolic and tangible actions, ranging from mutual aid and community organizing to direct confrontations when necessary. Derek advocates for a multifaceted approach that includes both defensive measures and proactive community building.

Authorial Perspectives

Derek critically examines the positionality of each author, noting gaps such as the absence of feminist or non-white voices in the selected works. He plans to address these in future episodes, ensuring a more diverse exploration of anti-fascist literature.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Timothy Snyder ([10:15]): "Don’t obey in advance."
• Robert Paxton ([16:00]): "Fascism is a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood..."
• Spencer Sunshine ([29:15]): "In January of 2017, alt-right leader Richard Spencer was punched in the face during a demonstration..."

Conclusion

In "Antifascist Woodshed," Derek Beres provides a thorough examination of key anti-fascist literature, offering critical insights into each work's strengths and limitations. The episode underscores the complexity of combating fascism, advocating for a blend of practical tactics and systemic change. By engaging with diverse strategies and fostering community resilience, Conspirituality aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and counteract the rise of fascist ideologies in contemporary society.

Stay Updated: For more in-depth discussions and future episodes focusing on diverse perspectives, follow Derek, Matthew, and Julian on Blue Sky, Twitter, Instagram, and Threads. Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive content and further explorations into combating conspiratorial and extremist movements.