Toward a Theory of Fascism for Anti-Fascist Life

Fascism is not just a historical event – it is a recurring process, adapting and re-emerging in new forms. In ‘Toward a Theory of Fascism for Anti-Fascist Life’ Brian Massumi offers a conceptual framework for understanding fascist tendencies as they unfold in contemporary politics. Moving beyond rigid definitions, this book provides a vocabulary of key concepts that trace how fascism operates, spreads, and takes root in the collective psyche. Drawing on process philosophy and political theory, Massumi challenges conventional understandings of power, personality, and collectivity, inviting readers to think critically about the conditions that enable authoritarianism’s resurgence.
Designed as both a standalone primer and a companion to The Personality of Power, this book offers a flexible and non-linear approach to political analysis. Readers can enter at any point, following the interwoven concepts as they build a deeper understanding of today’s fascist dynamics and counterforces. More than an intellectual exercise, ‘Toward a Theory of Fascism for Anti-Fascist Life’ is a call to action: an invitation to recognize the harbingers of fascism today. About the author: Brian Massumi is a Canadian philosopher and social theorist, and, until recently, Professor of Communication at the University of Montreal. He is the author of many books, including ‘Parables for the Virtual’ (2002), ‘First and Last Emperors’ (1993), and ’99 Theses on the Revaluation of Value’ (2018).