Alternatives to Democracy in Twentieth-Century Europe

Alternatives to Democracy in Twentieth-Century Europe examines the historical examples of Soviet Communism; Italian Fascism; German Nazism; and Spanish Anarchism; suggesting that; in spite of their differences; they had some key features in common; in particular their shared hostility to individualism; representative government; laissez faire capitalism; and the decadence they associated with modern culture. But rather than seeking to return to earlier ways of working these movements and regimes sought to design a new future – an alternative future – that would restore the nation to spiritual and political health. The Fascists; for their part; specifically promoted palingenesis; which is to say the spiritual rebirth of the nation. 

Sabrina P. Ramet is a Professor of Political Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. She is also a member of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters, a member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and a Research Associate of the Science and Research Center of the Republic of Slovenia, Koper. She is the author of 13 scholarly books.