Benjamin and Fascism: Themes of Danger in Thesis VI
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Benjamin and Fascism: Themes of Danger in Thesis VI

Shanyi Yang 1*
1 The University of Hong Kong
*Corresponding author: u3597402@connect.hku.hk
Published on 14 October 2025
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LNEP Vol.126
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-327-7
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-328-4
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Abstract

This paper explores the themes of danger in relation to fascism within Walter Benjamin’s essay “On the Concept of History,” particularly on Thesis VI. It interprets and analyzes how Benjamin’s work addresses fascism and its potential manifestations, drawing parallels with other theses and recent developments in fascism. The essay argues that while Benjamin’s thesis effectively serves as both an understanding of and a revolutionary methodology against fascism, which may inadvertently fall prey to new fascist tendencies in the 21st-century digital and “postmodern” context. Also, the essay examines Benjamin’s antifascist stance, his critique of historicism, and the potential for (mis)interpretation of his work in a fascist context, particularly focusing on the role of the historical materialist, the concepts of “danger” and “catastrophe,” the pessimism that fascism has already won, the struggle “against the grain,” and Benjamin’s intent against the theses’ publication. Finally, it concludes that the publication of Benjamin’s theses might have inadvertently contributed to reactionary tendencies, highlighting the complex relationship between his work and fascism.

Keywords:

Walter Benjamin, fascism, antifascism, danger, catastrophe

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Yang,S. (2025). Benjamin and Fascism: Themes of Danger in Thesis VI. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,126,38-45.

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Cite this article

Yang,S. (2025). Benjamin and Fascism: Themes of Danger in Thesis VI. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,126,38-45.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceeding of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: Integration & Boundaries: Humanities/Arts, Technology and Communication

ISBN: 978-1-80590-327-7(Print) / 978-1-80590-328-4(Online)
Editor: Enrique Mallen
Conference date: 21 October 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.126
ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)