with the authors of Democrazia afascista (Feltrinelli, 2024)

Revisiting the fascism/antifascism debate a century later forces us to confront Italy’s present political scenario together with its comedown and educational and cultural regression. The rise of the Meloni government brings troubling questions to the forefront: What is fascism in Italy today, in light of Meloni's ascent? What are the new fascist imaginaries shaping the nation’s identity and political discourse? This shift raises the issue of “afascist democracy” – a form of elective autocracy threatening to replace the antifascist foundations of the Italian Republic. What does this new political order entail, and how does it challenge the democratic values on which the country was built? Equally important, what role does antifascism play in defending against these threats? In this discussion, the two authors of Democrazia afascista, Nadia Urbinati and Gabriele Pedullà, will explore, moderated by Massimiliano Tarantino, the redefinition of Italy's cultural and civic landscape, the persistence of revisionist narratives, and the future of constitutional freedoms under the shadow of a resurgent fascist imagination.

Speakers: Gabriele Pedullà, Essayist and storyteller, Roma Tre University and Nadia Urbinati, Political scientist, Columbia University

Moderator: Massimiliano Tarantino, Director of Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation