Antifa
The word
Antifa derives from
Antifaschismus,
German for "
anti-fascism". It refers to individuals and groups that are dedicated to fighting
fascism. These groups sometimes include the word
antifa in their names.
During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, the
Soviet Union sponsored various anti-fascist movements, usually using the name Antifa to describe the organizations.
POWs captured by the Soviets during the
Great Patriotic War in the 1940s were encouraged to undertake Antifa training. For example,
Pál Maléter, a
Hungarian POW, became a
Communist after undergoing Antifa training in
Kiev.
Today, the term Antifa refers to individuals and groups that are dedicated to fighting what they call
fascist tendencies. These include:
racism,
nationalism,
anti-Semitism, and sometimes
capitalism. There is a network of such groups, but they do not constitute a
homogeneous movement. Depending on the particular group or individual, the ultimate goals may be quite different.
The terms "anti-fascist" and "Antifa" are almost exclusively used by left-wing groups. For these groups, the struggle against fascism, racism and nationalism is usually associated with a broader view that holds
society (or aspects of it) responsible, and therefore seeks
radical social change. Antifa groups most often view capitalism as related to fascism and racism, as well as
sexism,
homophobia and other perceived forms of
oppression, while seeing
communism,
socialism or
anarchism as desirable forms of social organization.
Groups which use the term Antifa tend not to rely on legal methods in fighting fascism, and include some groups which are violent. According to the
German intelligence agency
Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, the Antifa is a violent left-wing extremist movement
[Verfassungsschutz-bericht 2004, p. 168-172].
*
Anti-fascism*
Anti-Fascist Action*
Militant anti-fascism*
Anti-racism*
Anti-Racist Action*
RASH*
Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice*
Antifa Portal*
British anarchist group Antifa*
AntiFaNet*
German Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution*
KP B3RLIN*
