Blackshirts and Reds: Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism Paperback – June 1, 1997

Good Book

"Black Shirts and Reds" (1997) is Parenti's ambitious examination of the relationships between economic power and political movements in the 20th century, particularly focusing on the rise of fascism, capitalist democracy, and socialist states.A key strength of the book is its detailed historical analysis of how economic interests shaped political developments. Parenti meticulously documents, through extensive archival research, how various business interests and financial institutions responded to social movements and economic reforms across different contexts. His analysis of the rise of fascism in Europe is particularly noteworthy for examining the economic conditions and class relations that enabled its emergence.The book challenges conventional narratives about 20th century political-economic systems. For instance, Parenti examines how market reforms affected living standards and social services in various countries, supporting his arguments with statistical data on health outcomes, literacy rates, and economic indicators. He presents evidence about the material conditions and standard of living changes during various political-economic transitions.A thought-provoking aspect is Parenti's analysis of how media and academic institutions have shaped historical narratives. He argues that certain perspectives and interpretations have been privileged over others in mainstream discourse, and supports this through examination of primary sources and contemporary accounts.The work is academically rigorous while remaining accessible. Parenti's clear prose helps readers navigate complex historical events and their interpretation. He builds his arguments methodically, grounding theoretical points in specific historical examples and documentation.Critics have argued that Parenti sometimes lets his political commitments influence his selection and interpretation of evidence. However, his extensive use of primary sources and statistical data provides readers the tools to evaluate his claims independently.The book makes several valuable contributions to understanding:* The economic underpinnings of political movements* The role of institutional power in shaping historical narratives* The complex relationships between economic systems and living standards* How different political-economic systems responded to social movements

I haven’t picked up a book in about a year. I’ve been depressed. Hungry for some perspective and knowledge I stumbled upon this book through a recommendation. I don’t think anyone who has read the book with an open mind dislikes it. It’s showing fascism as a weapon of capitalism and does a great job at differentiating fascism from socialism. Helps me understand both a lot better and radicalized me a bit more. I recommend this book to anyone on the political spectrum if they can throw their pride aside.

I've never read Parenti 's actually writing, but have listened to many of his speeches. His approach to the topics in this book is both susinct and in plain enough language that I think anyone, regardless of their previous knowledge can understand. His work differs from other voices on the left because he doesn't feel the need to red-bash in order to be taken seriously. He presents his position without having to make up excuses or condemn revolutionary movements for their attributes that make some of the more cowardly leftists uncomfortable.

As with many things in the world, the first step is to recognize there is a problem. We as humanity are placed in a life and death struggle against the oppressors(multinational corporation which have co-opted the very governments which are meant to protect us from such things) which rule us. The next step is to be informed. This is where this book is incredibly useful. It helps delineate how our oppressors use various social movements as a battering ram against our class consciousness. The working class will rise above and defeat our oppressors, but it will be an arduous process. Good luck.

This is an excellent explanation of how capitalism is anti democratic and out of control. Unfortunately, there seems to be no peaceful solution presented. The 1% own the controlling governments and tools required for change.

Oddly, my Amazon device tried to tell me the book was over after chapter 7. Heads up to future readers that there are more chapters.I enjoyed reading this book and moved through it pretty quickly. I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the rise of the authoritarian right and the falling out of communism. The book is about 20 years old at this point, but it still proves to be a great resource on learning from the past.

I bought this text at a time of personal confusion. It truly is what it is reviewed and promoted as: a methodical examination of the forces that built our modern and thus contemporary world. A great text for those already committed to the struggle for equity, the citizen truly concerned about the future of our world, and even those disenchanted by the the usual cultural excuses who have the intellect and courage to ask “why”?