The image of “fascism” is evident in our culture – the very word sparks visions of devout masses following chauvinistic leaders, marching militias dressed in black or brown, violence against dissidents, world war and the horrors of the Holocaust.

 But this image is just a description of the effects of an ideology, not a definition of it. Today, the word “fascist” is mostly used as an insult. But it’s important to understand the difference between the carelessly delivered invective and the actual ideology of generic fascism. The moment Adolf Hitler committed suicide in 1945, fascism and nazism became an impossible route to continue in Europe, and a modern symbol of evil.

 Fascism as an ideology, on the other hand, had emerged long before that. On March 23, 1919, Benito Mussolini held a rally in Milan’s Piazza San Sepolcro, attended by futurists and syndicalists, republicans and monarchists, Jews and anti-Semites, women-haters and feminists. The unifying factor was nationalism – an ultra-nationalism. It was there, on a square in central Milan, that fascism was born.

In Älskade fascism, Henrik Arnstad explains the emergence of fascism, how it seized power in Italy and Germany, how it spread across Europe and around the world. How it relates to other ideologies (liberalism, conservatism and socialism) and to racism, antisemitism and the Holocaust. Arnstad addresses fascism’s relationship to modernity (and anti-modernity) as well as women, men and masculinity within fascist movements.

 The last part of the book handles the controversial question of modern day fascists– neo-fascists – who are now holding parliamentary positions all over Europe. Will the 21st century become the fascist century?

 Arnstad gives the reader a thorough and easy- comprehensible analysis of the ideology of fascism; a pioneering work of popular science elucidating the 20th century totalitarianism and what effects it still has on our society today. It is an important, awarenessraising exposition that should be read not only for the sake of personal historical edification, but also for the sake of gaining a deeper insight into the perils that the future might hold.

Reviews:

"Älskade fascism is one of the most important books of our time."

Arch Bishop Anders Wejryd

“it is very easy to read, gripping, an exciting story”

Swedish Television, Gomorron Sverige

“This is a book that discusses the concept of fascism as well as its history. /…/ We live in a time when it is obviously possible for racists and fascists to, in words, not in action, distance themselves from these ideas. Therefore Arnstad’s book is welcome. It makes its way deep down into the root system of fascism.” 

Radio Vega, YLE (FI)

“Arnstad’s account of the history of fascism is well worth reading. Very timely right now when these same thoughts – behind a polished façade – can be found in the European parliament.”

Dagens Arbete

“Älskade fascism is captivating reading. Henrik Arnstad has succeeded in writing a book that is not only interesting but also pulls you in, in a way that makes it difficult to let go. A popular science page-turner that manages to add something new – especially if we include the literature about Nazi Germany – to a subject that has been written about ad nauseum.”

Arbetaren

“Henrik Arnstad’s book Älskade fascism contains a thought-provoking discussion about fascism’s ideas and theories, and offers enlightening touchdowns into the history of the movement.”

Norrköpings Tidningar

Author Henrik Arnstad has written the most important book of this spring, probably even this year. Even if it will not be the one most well-read. Älskade fascism is a frightening history lesson about this ultra-nationalistic ideology as an incurable cancer tumor in the body of society.”

Arbetarbladet

“From the landscape of ruins rise – now as then – movements that promise to make everything right with a cleansing national renaissance. This is why Henrik Arnstad’s book Älskade fascism is both well-timed and important. The book’s ambitious purpose is to capture and convey international research, in order to illustrate the black-brown movements’ ideologies and history until today. It is a true effort in popular education, as an easy-to-access, summarizing Swedish book on this topic does not exist.”

Aftonbladet

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