Racism, Post-democracy, and Economy That Kills: The Challenges of Civil Society Movements in Italy

Abstract

The Italian chapter by Giovanna Campani analyzes the complex present European context characterized by the rise of the far right, the mainstreaming of populist ideas, and a shift toward illiberal democracy. The comeback of racism and xenophobia is part of the picture. With Italy as case study, the chapter examines the multiple reactions of civil society to contemporary political trends, outlining their fragmentation and their distance from the traditional “mainstream” political parties. The fieldwork reveals a deep need for direct democratic participation as well as the difficulties in defining common goals. It argues that racism, post-democracy, and the economy "that kills" represent the main challenges of civil society movements in Italy.