The theoretical importance of the work of Nicos Poulantzas for the analysis of the contemporary far right
The aim of this article is to defend the importance of Nicos Poulantzas' theory in understanding the rise of the contemporary far-right. To this end, we critically examine the concepts of fascism and authoritarian statism developed by Poulantzas as part of his broader reworking of state theory...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Online |
| Language: | Portuguese |
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Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://econtents.sbu.unicamp.br/inpec/index.php/cma/article/view/20319 |
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| Summary: | The aim of this article is to defend the importance of Nicos Poulantzas' theory in understanding the rise of the contemporary far-right. To this end, we critically examine the concepts of fascism and authoritarian statism developed by Poulantzas as part of his broader reworking of state theory and political power. Our two main arguments are: a) Poulantzas' analysis of authoritarian statism richly and complexly anticipates the outcome of decades of neoliberal hegemony, namely the consolidation of authoritarian mechanisms within democratic state forms; and b) it is necessary to go beyond Poulantzas' own position, especially after the 2007–2008 crisis, as reactionary mass movements, rooted primarily in the middle classes, have reorganized and caused even more destabilizing effects on the political landscape. Without aiming to provide exhaustive analyses, we identify common characteristics of this process in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, France, Italy, and the United States. Although there are many specificities, the reorganization of the far-right on an international scale demands a revival and updating of the theory of fascism. |
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| ISSN: | 0104-9321 |
