A new book by authors Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, "End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World," examines how supremacist groups are uniting around end-of-the-world ideas. The book identifies three groups of supremacists - religious extremists, technofascists, and ethnonationalists - who have converged around what the authors call "end times fascism." Despite their ideological differences, these factions share a conviction that they are part of an elite destined to survive the coming apocalypse.
The authors, both respected activists, explore the entwined histories of messianism and fascism, highlighting several incidents that demonstrate the dangers of these ideologies. For example, in 1969, a young man with mental illness believed he was chosen to end and rebirth the world, and came close to initiating a global war. While such individuals were not previously key decisionmakers in governments, the authors argue that this is now the case, and that those who can influence the use of destructive weapons believe that world-ending horrors are imminent, but should be embraced.
Klein and Taylor argue that while fascism has often arisen during moments of crisis, it is especially likely to occur when economic and social pain have become so acute that elites redirect anger towards scapegoats. However, the authors also note that fascists are not worse today, but "our world is more dangerous than their world: its weapons deadlier, its technologies vastly more potent, its media more connected, its climate more unstable, its concentrated wealth more global in reach than at any point in human history."
The book highlights the wealth and power of technofascists, who are constructing literal bunkers on Earth while imagining they can flee to Mars or the moon. For example, Elon Musk's decision to put his supercomputer Colossus in a majority-Black, working-class community in Memphis led to a 79% increase in nitrogen dioxide, a known health risk and respiratory irritant, within months. The authors also describe an "Apocalypse Ball" hosted by Peter Thiel's venture-capital firm, where guests were instructed to wear "black tie or dress for dystopia."
The third group of end-timers, ethnonationalists, put a new spin on old-school fascism, targeting migrants as a proxy in a world where climate chaos will force increasing numbers of people to flee homes that are no longer livable. However, Klein and Taylor remind us that people have always resisted fascist attacks, citing examples of resistance from religious leaders, community groups, and individuals fighting back against fascist immigration purges.
The authors highlight leaders who are pushing back against these ideologies, such as Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, who pushed through a landmark law granting gig workers labor protections and benefits, and Colombia President Gustavo Petro, who raised the minimum wage and called for a moratorium on new fossil-fuel development. They also offer concrete proposals, including moratoriums on data centers, taxes on billionaires, a wealth cap, stronger international cooperation, and nuclear disarmament.
Ultimately, Klein and Taylor argue that "we mortals are one another's salvation," and that there is a different way forward. The book shows that there are many ways people are already building an alternative vision and fighting for a better world. By highlighting the dangers of "end times fascism" and the resistance to it, the authors aim to inspire readers to take action and work towards a more just and equitable future.
Key points
- The book "End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World" explores the rise of supremacist groups uniting around end-of-the-world ideas.
- The authors identify three groups of supremacists - religious extremists, technofascists, and ethnonationalists - who have converged around "end times fascism."
- The book offers concrete proposals for resisting these ideologies, including moratoriums on data centers, taxes on billionaires, and stronger international cooperation.
