The Ideology of Fascism and the Far Right in Britain
This book examines the precise nature of fascism as both a system of ideas and a mode of political practice and it looks at the history of organizations and parties loyal to this particular creed in Britain. It is a critical examination of the relative utility of the various theories that have attempted to explain the fascist phenomenon, identifying weaknesses in conventional interpretations. Hayes re-asserts the value of Marxism as an analytic mechanism capable of evaluating the experience of fascism and seeks to identify how, and under what circumstances fascism might re-emerge. Written in a concise and accessible style by an academic who played an active role in anti-fascist politics in Britain, The Ideology of Fascism and the Far Right in Britain will be of considerable value to anyone seeking a clearer understanding of fascism and/or, crucially, how best to resist it.
Book Details
Written by: Mark Hayes
ISBN: 978-1926958316
Year: 2014
Pages: 474
Price: $23.80 USD
Table of Contents
Introduction: Examining Fascism and the British Experience 11
Chapter One – The Ideological Components of Fascism 19
Zeitgeist: Romantic Anti-Rationalism and Social Darwinism 20
Nationalism and Xenophobia 29
Authoritarian State and Disciplined Society 38
Charismatic Leader and the Mass Party 74
Corporatism and Autarky: the “Third Way” 91
Anti-Communism, Pseudo-Socialism and Rhetorical Anti-Capitalism 105
Varieties of Racism 152
Chapter 2 – British Fascism 203
The Origin and Development of British Fascism 203
Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists 211
Post War Re-Alignment 232
The National Front: The Years of Hope 245
The National Front: Decline and Disintegration 260
The British National Party: From Fascism to Euro-Nationalism? 270
The Nature of British Fascism: Oscillation between Optimism and Obscurity 319
Chapter 3 Interpretations of Fascism 335
The “New Consensus”: Palingenetic Ultra-Nationalism 336
Psychology as the Critical Component 343
Theology and the Resonance of the Religious Signifier 353
Totalitarian Theory: The Decaying Corpse of Cold War Ideology 359
Historiographical and Sociological Insight: Engaging with Context 370
Marxist Analyses: Towards an Explanation? 386
Examining Fascism: Re-Asserting the Central Significance of Social Function 398
Conclusion: Fascism, the Far Right in Britain and the Response of the Left 415
The Ruling Class and Neo-Liberal Economics as Critical Contingent Variables 422
Anti-Fascism: Reformism or Radical Resistance? 433
Bibliography 445
Praise
“Dangerous right-wing figures and parties, which appear somewhat bizarre or marginal or unelectable at one period, can assume enormous significance and power under changing circumstances. This is particularly so at times of economic and or state crisis… At a time when the Far Right is gaining ground across Europe (and Britain is not immune to infection), this book is not only timely but is essential reading for those who care about genuine democracy and the cause of labour.”
Tommy McKearney, Former IRA hunger striker and now an organiser with the Independent Workers Union
“This is a remarkable book. Mark Hayes combines meticulous research and passionate commitment as he charts the ideological genesis and political trajectory of… [the] fascist heritage of the far right in Britain.”
Jim Slaven, James Connolly Society, Scotland
“Tautly written and buttressed by forensic research this book is a timely reminder [that]… fascism red in tooth and claw never begins with the midnight knock and the concentration camp. It just ends with them. Read the book and gauge for yourself how far we have already travelled on that journey.”
Gary’ O’Shea, founding member, Anti-Fascist Action
