Debate on Fascism: When Theory Irritates

A discussion panel held at the Berlin project space diffrakt explored the relationship between fascism theory and antifascist practice. Moderator Patrick Eiden-Offe noted that fascism and antifascism are the same age. Literary scholar Morten Paul argued that theory is not an instruction for practice but a practice of thinking itself, causing productive irritations. Essayist Enis Maci raised questions of usefulness and truth, citing Alexander Kluge's concept of 'cross-mapping.' The panel debated whether understanding fascism better enables its defeat, with Paul suggesting that conceptual 'nets' help understand situations rather than providing fixed definitions. The discussion touched on historical definitions of fascism, including philosopher Eva von Redecker's recent explanation of fascism as 'liquidating phantom property defense.' The event highlighted the ongoing tension between theoretical understanding and practical antifascist action.