Fascism: Critical Theory Perspectives
Tuesday, January 28, 18:00-20:00, E2.145
A research seminar organised by the Media Systems and Media Organisation Research Group at Paderborn University’s Department of Media Studies
The goal of this seminar is to discuss perspectives on how we can theorise and understand fascism. The presenters engage with a variety of critical theory approaches for advancing insights into the dynamics and structures of fascism, neo-fascism, and digital fascism. The seminar features two international guest researchers from Brazil (André Brandão) and Spain (Tatiana Fernández Paredes) who have spent some time at Paderborn University’s Media Systems and Media Organisation Research Group (led by Christian Fuchs).
What is Fascism?
Christian Fuchs, Paderborn University
Abstract: This introductory talk asks: What is fascism? First, a number of classical models and understandings of fascism are presented. Second, the presenter outlines his own model of how to theorise fascism. Third, some features of fascism in the contemporary age that is shaped by digital media and global, flexible, neoliberalism capitalism are discussed.
Christian Fuchs is Professor of Media Systems and Media Organisation at Paderborn University. He is a social theorist and social researcher who has published on various aspects of critical theory as well as (digital) media and society, including the books Social Media: A Critical Introduction; Media, Economy and Society: A Critical Introduction; Digital Fascism; Digital Demagogue; Nationalism on the Internet; Digital Capitalism, Digital Democracy and the Digital Public Sphere; Communication and Capitalism; Internet and Society. https://fuchsc.net, fuchschristian.bsky.social
Theorising Fascism with Henri Lefebvre
Tatiana Fernández Paredes
Open University of Catalonia: Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3)
Abstract: Henri Lefebvre (1901-1991) is one of the most influential French critical theorists. He became well-known internationally by his books “The Production of Space” and “The Critique of Everyday Life”. The objective of this presentation is to discuss how one can use elements of Henri Lefebvre’s critical philosophy for the analysis of fascism. Most of Lefebvre’s (more than 70) books were published in French and have not been translated into English, including various volumes on the state, the mystification of consciousness, and the rise of Nazism and fascism. It will be outlined how Lefebvre’s political analysis is relevant today. This involves discussing his critical analysis of the nation-state, nationalism, mystified consciousness, crises, and spatial aspects of nationalism and fascism.
Tatiana Fernández Paredes holds degrees in Sociology and International Relations. She is a PhD student at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya’s (UOC) Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) where she works in the Communication Networks & Social Change (CNSC) Research Group. Rosa Borge and Joan Ballcells supervise her PhD at UOC.
Neo-Fascism and Digitalisation
André Brandão
Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
Abstract: This presentation analysis contemporary far-right movements. It deals with the phenomenon of neo-fascism and its relationship to classical fascism. The focus is on economic, cultural, and psychological aspects of neo-fascism that take on unprecedented qualities. The presentation will also analysis neo-fascism’s mode of action on social media and its mutually beneficial relationship with big tech corporations.
André Brandão is a PhD candidate at the Federal University of Bahia (Brazil) and is currently a guest researcher at Paderborn University’s Department of Media Studies.
