The article discusses the rise of a neofascist threat in the United States, particularly under Donald Trump’s administration, where military forces and ICE have been used to instill fear. It highlights how neofascism has gained ground amidst collapsing liberal democratic structures, as analyzed by Robert W. McChesney, a key scholar in political economy and media reform.
McChesney’s work emphasizes the dangers posed by corporate monopolies that undermine democracy, echoing historical warnings from figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Henry Wallace. He argues that concentrated economic power leads to the erosion of democratic rights, coining the term “surveillance capitalism” to describe how tech and finance industries undermine civil liberties.
Through his analyses, McChesney posits that the neoliberal era has given way to neofascism as ruling-class strategies falter, leading to the governance style exemplified by Trump. He mentions that neofascism seeks to dismantle democratic institutions while fortifying capital’s grip over society.
Ultimately, McChesney offers a hopeful perspective, suggesting that socialism may provide an alternative path to restore democracy, emphasizing the need for genuine self-governance in the face of escalating authoritarianism.
