Why in news?
As right‑wing extremism and counter‑protests make headlines around the world, discussions about the “Antifa” movement have resurfaced. In September 2025 commentators debated whether Antifa should be described as a formal organisation or a loosely connected set of activists.
Origins and evolution
The term “Antifa” is short for anti‑fascist. It originated in 1930s Europe, when groups like Antifaschistische Aktion in Germany and the Battle of Cable Street in London mobilised workers and minorities to resist fascist parties. After the Second World War, anti‑fascist activism waned but revived in the 1980s and 1990s in response to neo‑Nazi rallies and racist violence. In the United States, Antifa groups gained prominence during protests against white supremacists in Charlottesville (2017) and during the Black Lives Matter movement.
Characteristics
- No central leadership: Antifa is not a single organisation but a network of autonomous groups and individuals united by a commitment to oppose fascism, racism and sexism.
- Diverse ideologies: Members often identify as anarchists, socialists or anti‑capitalists, but there is no single ideology beyond anti‑fascism.
- Direct action: Activities include public demonstrations, monitoring and disrupting far‑right gatherings, online campaigns exposing extremists and community self‑defence training.
- Controversies: Some Antifa actions involve property damage or confrontations, leading critics to label them as extremists. Supporters argue that direct resistance is necessary to prevent fascist violence.
Relevance and debate
Understanding Antifa requires distinguishing between peaceful protest and violent tactics. While anti‑fascism is broadly supported as a principle, debates arise over methods. Law enforcement agencies warn that labelling Antifa as a terrorist organisation might suppress legitimate dissent, while ignoring extremist violence by other groups. In democratic societies, addressing root causes of extremism—such as inequality, misinformation and political polarisation—is essential to reducing the appeal of both fascist and anti‑fascist militancy.