Resistance, Revolution and Fascism : Zapatismo and Assemblage Politics

Examining the under-theorized relationship between revolution and fascism, this book outlines a politics of resistance to these forms of domination. Through an examination of the psychic conditions created by integrated world capitalism, as well as by the revolutionary projects that oppose this form of financial and social organization, Anthony Faramelli identifies the limits of revolutionary thinking. In doing so he argues that revolutionary projects inevitably reproduce the same organization of life and structures of control as capitalism.

Following its analysis of revolution and fascism, this book argues for a way out of our current political stasis through the development of a philosophically informed practice of resistance termed 'assemblage politics'. Drawing on the resistant philosophies developed by Deleuze and Guattari, Howard Caygill's defiant philosophy, and the Zapatista insurgents, the form of resistance proposed is marked by a structural fluidity that allows it to avoid being captured by capitalism's repressive structures.

Enabling a better understanding of the current social-political landscape, and providing a fuller context of the political necessity to move away from notions of revolution, this book is relevant to those interested in postcolonial theory and Latin American politics, political philosophy and the growing field of resistance studies.

“How can we live up to the task of living a non-fascist life? How to make revolutions which don't fail? In an illuminating analysis, Anthony Faramelli explores these imperative questions of radical political today. The book is a significant contribution to debates on the natures of revolution and fascism, and makes a compelling case for why we should understand the problem of fascism as being inherent to revolution itself. It is also an exciting text for anyone interested in Fanon, and the argument it makes for the uniqueness of the Zapatistas as a model for revolutionary action is important.” —Julian Reid, Professor of International Relations, University of Lapland, Finland

“The political and revolutionary Left is not immune to fascism. Faramelli offers a crucial and timely diagnosis of fascist and authoritarian tendencies that we should all take seriously at every level of social reality. Resistance, Revolution and Fascism is truly a handbook for anti-fascist living in the age of biopolitics. It is essential reading for the revolution.” —Thomas Nail, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Denver, USA

“Fascism remains the main strategic adversary of our times. Moving beyond simple and reductive state-theory explanations, Faramelli encourages us to look directly into the heads lights of everyday violations and in doing so rethink the meaning of oppression in the 21st century. This book is sure to be of interest to scholars and activists alike.” —Brad Evans, Reader in Political Violence, University of Bristol, UK