In These Times

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• • 22 Sep 06
  • 1:35 pm

  I would suggest to Jay that he perhaps peruse Robert Paxton's recent book on Fascism, Stanley Payne's History of Fascism, and Ian Kershaw's work on Fascism to see that there is NO generally accepted definition of classical systems of fascism. Indeed, there are scholarly debates concerning whether such a general and universal definition of fascism is possible or whether there can only be a nominal definition based upon family resemblances between regimes. Furthermore, due to the wide diversity of positions and ideologies (not to mention attitudes towards the acquition of state-power and the modern nation-state) within what is here, in the …

  Posted to The Neocons Lexicon

• • 22 Sep 06
  • 2:08 pm

  First off, I assume Jay is being ironic when he uses a quotation to criticize the use of quotations. It would require a long essay, if not a book, to go into the complexities of the differences between fascist regimes (Indeed, this is why I suggested looking at Stanley Payne's book, considered the best general and comparative history). To take an example, the Nazi party in Germany set up dual-power structures, mimicing the structure of the state (ministries, etc.) basically conflating the Nazi party with the state upon assuming power (a process that began electorally, but was then consummated with Hitler's …

  Posted to The Neocons Lexicon

• • 23 Sep 06
  • 9:46 am

  OK. First, what system of government? Name me one system in which an "Islamofascist" is currently in power? One could argue that there are authoritarian populist in power in many mideastern countries, but this does not make them fascist. Indeed, according to your definition, Chile, Brazil, Guatemala during the civil war period, and many other post-war regimes would qualify as "fascist". Your definition places cases that are not fascist regimes under itself. Two, what "Islamofascist" is advocating stringent economic controls? Did you find this in the writings of Qutb? Khomeni? Who? What types of Islamic thought qualify as Islamofascism? Your definition …

  Posted to The Neocons Lexicon

• • 24 Sep 06
  • 2:00 pm

  Haven't had much time to respond. A quick note: Scorp: Simply stating "Iran" is not an argument. Please go into the power structure of Iran, the contending parties, the relationship between the supreme leader and Ahmadinejad (one of whom..ahem...happens to be a cleric), the ideologies of the contending parties, etc. Then demonstrate how they are similar or different to other groups of "Islamofascists". If you want a place to start, may I recommend Nikkie Keddie's book "Modern Iran: The Roots and Results of the Revolution"? If al-Q is secular, what then is the use of appending "Islamo-" to the designation? WHile …

  Posted to The Neocons Lexicon