In Episode 119 [16] of the CounterVortex podcast [17], Bill Weinberg explores the intellectual challenge posed to Western anti-fascists by Putin's ultra-cynical fascist pseudo-anti-fascism [18]. Russian state media have issued [19] a "blueprint for genocide [20]" in Ukraine—in the perversely paradoxical name of "de-nazification." With much of the American "left" stupidly rallying around Putin [21] and repeating his line that the Ukrainians are neo-Nazis, some of the once-stalwart antifas (themselves coming under attack [22] from domestic fascism) are in danger of being coopted [23] by fascism. Of course there are actual far-right elements on the Ukrainian side—which Ukrainian anti-fascists have been actively resisting [24]. But in an atmosphere of totalizing propaganda [25], it is critical that we do not rely exclusively on pro-Putin sources [26] for information on elements such as the notorious Azov Battalion [27], but get outside the confirmation-bias bubble [28]. It is even more critical that we ruthlessly reject double standards, and acknowledge that the fascist element is far more hegemonic on the Russian side [29]—and that Putin's new Russo-fascism is aligned [30] with Trumpism [31].
With reading from "The Principles of Newspeak [35]" by George Orwell
Listen on SoundCloud [16] or via Patreon [32].
Production by Chris Rywalt [36]
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