Italy: Strategies for de-demonizing fascism

A lecture by Prof Sabina Loriga (EHESS, Paris) for the Centre for International History Seminar Series.

In recent years, far-right parties have gained ground in most national parliaments. This is the case in Italy, where the extreme right (Fratelli d'Italia, the Lega and Forza Italia) won the general election in September 2022. Should we fear a return to fascism? This talk will emphasize two historical key features on the Italian political context: on the one hand, the constitutional consensus and the antifascist paradigm established at the end of the Second World War; on the other hand, the perdurance of the fascism. Then it will analyze how certain fascist terminologies and visions have been re-mobilized in the public debate. More specifically, it will analyze the strategies used to disguise fascism in Italy. It distinguishes at least three of them, that is to say claiming the fascist legacy but by denying that it is fascism: first, the representation of fascism as an operetta dictatorship; second anti-antifascism; and third the game of hide-and-seek with fascism.

The Centre for International History draws on the burgeoning insights of scholars in the past few decades that history does not stop at the border of the nation-state.  International history explores comparative approaches and uncovers transnational flows of commerce, politics, culture, and ideas. The Centre's research seminars and public events will display these methods while examining historical developments across the globe especially in the late modern period.

Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact:gearyd@tcd.ie