Christopher Mathias, in his new book To Catch a Fascist, examines the activities of antifa activists who have unmasked various neo-Nazis and white nationalists. He critiques the right-wing narrative that portrays antifa as a “boogeyman” while exploring the cultural roots of fascism that have emerged within contemporary Trumpism.
Mathias defines fascism as a right-wing politics of domination rooted in ultranationalism that aims to elevate certain groups while oppressing others. He argues that the U.S. has long exhibited fascist elements, notably through systemic racism as evidenced by historical patterns like Jim Crow.
A significant focus of the book is the 2017 Charlottesville rally, which Mathias recounts as a pivotal moment that radically shifted his perspective on the fascist movement in America. He highlights the effectiveness of antifa’s doxing tactics to expose far-right figures, creating social consequences for them. However, he acknowledges that the power of doxing is waning as the far-right becomes more entrenched in mainstream politics.
Mathias discusses the complicated notions of free speech in the context of anti-fascism, arguing that while antifa’s actions may appear to suppress free speech, they react against an imminent threat posed by fascists. He pushes back against a false equivalence often drawn between antifa and the far-right, emphasizing that characterizing antifa as a domestic terrorist group is part of a broader effort to delegitimize dissent.
The dialogue also explores whether America can be called fascist today, with Mathias asserting that while elements exist, they have intensified and become more explicitly recognized. He encourages the necessity of denouncing this as fascism to mobilize against it, arguing that a vigilant and active resistance is crucial to preventing further authoritarianism.
Overall, Mathias advocates for solidarity with marginalized groups and warns about the dangers of dismissing or isolating forms of resistance like antifa. He argues that the fight against fascism is a communal effort that requires trust and collaboration among all who oppose autocracy.
