The first edition of this booklet was published in March this year to coincide with the CPI(ML) ‘s Tenth Congress held in Mansa, Punjab (23-28 March, 2018). Here is a revised and enlarged edition with the following additions: a new chapter summing up the evolution of Nazism; short excerpts from Georgi Dimitrov in the Appendix (I); and an Epilogue where, responding to the desire expressed by some of our readers, we have sought to broaden and update our understanding of fascism with notes on Italian fascism of yesteryears and what has been called “functional fascism” in present-day America. We have also incorporated another Appendix (II), covering corporate-communal fascism in our country.

The struggle against fascism on the soil of India will be long-drawn and multifaceted, ranging from direct physical resistance through electoral battles to the war of ideas and narratives. As part of this movement, we shall soon be publishing booklets on a series of key issues around which the RSS-BJP is conspiring to manufacture a malicious common sense, to weave a web of vitriolic false consciousness. Hope our readers find this booklet useful in the ongoing anti-fascist resistance.

Liberation Publications
August 2018

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui[1]

Thus learn you how to see, and not just look,
And act instead of talking all day long;
The world was almost ruled by such a crook!
Though people overcame him, you’d be wrong
To pat your backs and think yourselves so clever –
The ooze that spawned him is as rich as ever!

- Bertolt Brecht
(Translation - Jennifer Wise)

 

Note:
1. The satirical play, written in 1941, draws a parallel between the career of Hitler and the rise of a fictional Chicago gangster, Arturo Ui. The epilogue, spoken at the end of the play by the actor who plays Ui, urges on the audience to keep a close watch on what’s happening, to be active rather than talkative, and vigilant rather than being complacent, because the “ooze” – presumably the filthy pus seeping out of rotten, decaying capitalism – is still “rich” or potent enough to produce the progenies of the original demon.

Second Enlarged Edition