Fossil fascism: the supreme form of climate obstruction?

Abstract

The last decade witnessed a proliferation of literature on far-right nationalism and climate obstruction. Scholars referred to “fossil fascism” to discuss these trends. This article emphasises fossil fascism’s weaponisation of intermediary institutions to advance a gendered and racialised vision of society that feeds off fossil fuels. This aspect, we argue, distinguishes fossil fascism from other conceptualisations of the so-called “backlash” against climate policies. We explore the concept to trace its continuities with historical fascism and situate its emphasis on intermediate institutions. We highlight fossil fascism’s racialised and gendered vision and explain its implications for climate obstruction. Our goal is to introduce a working definition of fossil fascism that takes into account its historical lineage and internal complexities. This conceptual endeavour provides a platform for studies on far-right nationalism and climate obstruction to develop in line with the practice and background, rather than the narratives, of institutional far-right politics.