As far-right movements gain traction across Europe, a renewed focus on Italy’s anti-fascist legacy highlights the historical resistance against oppression. Since the early 2000s, parties with nationalist rhetoric have secured seats in parliaments from the Netherlands to Italy, prompting discussions about the resurgence of fascist ideologies. This trend underscores the significance of Italy’s past, particularly during the Nazi occupation between 1943 and 1945 when ordinary citizens united to resist fascism.
In a recent episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, political scientist Juan Masullo from Leiden University explored the lasting impact of Italy’s anti-fascist movements. He pointed out that many towns and villages where resistance efforts flourished continue to exhibit strong anti-fascist sentiment, even 80 years after the conflict.
One such town is Sant’Anna di Stazzema, located in the mountains of Tuscany. This area is marked by its tragic history, being the site of a notorious Nazi massacre during the Italian civil war. Today, it serves as a memorial to those who resisted fascism, embodying what Masullo describes as a “bastion of anti-fascist, left-wing progressive thinking.”
In a notable effort to combat rising fascist ideologies, the mayor of Stazzema initiated a petition in 2021 to ban all forms of fascist and neo-fascist propaganda. The petition required 50,000 signatures for parliamentary discussion, yet it garnered an impressive 240,000 signatures, indicating a robust commitment to anti-fascist principles among the populace.
Masullo’s research sought to determine whether there is a correlation between areas with significant anti-fascist resistance during World War II and those that supported the petition. His findings confirmed this association, revealing that communities with a strong history of resistance are actively engaged in memorializing their past. He noted, “These people spend a lot of time memorialising what happened,” emphasizing the importance of collective memory in shaping contemporary political attitudes.
To delve deeper into this topic, listeners can tune in to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly, featuring Masullo’s insights on how historical resistance continues to influence modern political landscapes. The episode, produced by Mend Mariwany with sound design by Eloise Stevens, includes news clips from credible sources such as DW News and BBC News.
Masullo’s research has received funding from UNUWIDER and Leiden University, and he is affiliated with the University of Milan. As Europe confronts the challenges posed by rising far-right movements, the stories and legacies of places like Stazzema remind us of the enduring fight against fascism and the importance of remembering history in the ongoing struggle for democratic values.
