Fascism

The word 'fascism' sometimes appears to have become a catch-all term of abuse, applicable to anyone on the political right, from Hitler to Donald Trump and from Putin to Thatcher. While some argue that it lacks any distinctive conceptual meaning at all, others have supplied highly elaborate definitions of its 'essential' features. It is therefore a concept that presents unique challenges for any student of political theory or history.

In this accessible book, Roger Griffin, one of the world's leading authorities on fascism, brings welcome clarity to this controversial ideology. He examines its origins and development as a political concept, from its historical beginnings in 1920s Italy up to the present day, and guides students through the confusing maze of debates surrounding the nature, definition and meaning of fascism. Elucidating with skill and precision its dynamic as a utopian ideology of national/racial rebirth, Griffin goes on to examine its post-Second World War mutations and its relevance to understanding contemporary right-wing political phenomena, ranging from Marine Le Pen to Golden Dawn.

This concise and engaging volume will be of great interest to all students of political theory, the history of political thought, and modern history.

Cuvantul „fascism” pare sa fi devenit uneori un termen de abuz, aplicabil oricarei persoane de dreapta politica, de la Hitler la Donald Trump si de la Putin la Thatcher. In timp ce unii sustin ca ii lipseste deloc orice semnificatie conceptuala distincta, altii au furnizat definitii foarte elaborate ale trasaturilor sale „esentiale”.