Where "Violence in Thought" Exists, the Offended Build a Fortress

Der Standard discusses Mark Terkessidis's essay "Violence in Thought," which examines the resurgence of fascist tendencies. The article notes Terkessidis's observation that despite decades of anti-racist struggles and movements like Black Lives Matter, liberal democracies have not achieved sufficient progress in equality and rights.

This lack of progress, according to the essay, helps explain how the populist right has been able to co-opt positions traditionally held by the progressive left. The piece raises questions about the nature of legitimate protest, particularly in the context of pro-Israel demonstrations in Germany, suggesting that some actions might be seen as reactions to perceived excesses of German 'Staatsräson' (reason of state).

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When does fascism begin?

From an Austrian perspective, Terkessidis's analysis offers a critical look at the state of contemporary political discourse in Western democracies. The essay's focus on the "violence in thought" and the co-option of progressive language by the far-right resonates with ongoing debates about political polarization and the effectiveness of social justice movements. The article implies that the failure to address systemic inequalities fuels the rise of extremist ideologies, creating a challenging environment for progressive politics.

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A general development of equality or rights has not occurred in liberal democracies, at least not to the required extent.