This theoretical conference will focus on themes relevant to characterizing 21st-century fascism against the backdrop of its historical precedents. In particular, we aim to examine the manifestations of 21st century fascism and imperialism in the neocolonies. By grounding contemporary analysis in these classical forms of fascism, the conference aims to sharpen our understanding of how fascism has evolved while retaining its essential class character and imperialist function.
Fascism in the neocolonies today maintain its classical features: open terror, military rule, and violent suppression of national liberation and people’s struggles. These regimes act as mere appendages of imperialism, ensuring social control and resource extraction for imperialist capital. The Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines, Suharto’s New Order in Indonesia, and Pinochet’s Chile were classic examples of neocolonial fascism. Today, successors such as Marcos Jr in the Philippines, Modi in India, and Netanyahu in Israel continue this legacy.
This theoretical conference aims to deepen theoretical and historical understanding of fascism as a class phenomenon rooted in the contradictions of imperialism. The conference also aims to discuss the importance of militant mass movements in providing the countercurrent against fascism. In addition, the conference aims to identify principles and strategies that can guide such movements and democratic sectors of society in the struggle to effectively confront and defeat fascism. Drawing from the contributions of Lenin, Stalin, Dimitrov, and Mao, the conference will examine how fascism has developed and adapted in the 21st century in the neocolonial peripheries.
