Everything you always wanted to know about the antifascist movement.
For several years, a term has been appearing more and more frequently in political debates, television news, and social media: antifa. The word is sometimes wielded as a banner, sometimes used as a political insult. In 2025, when the United States decides to classify several antifascist groups as "terrorist organizations," a shockwave rocks the international press. This decision reignites a passionate debate: what does the antifascist movement truly represent today? Why do the antifascist flag, the antifascist slogans, and even a simple antifascist T-shirt trigger so many reactions?
To understand this movement, it must be rooted in its history. Antifascism was not born in 2016, nor in 2000, nor even in 1970. Its roots lie in interwar Europe, in workers' struggles, in the Resistance against Nazism, and in the social movements of the 20th century. Today, it is back in the spotlight because the threats it combats — racism, the far-right, authoritarian drift, revisionism — are once again very present.
Here is a comprehensive dive into antifascism, its origins, its symbols, its political meaning, its organizations, its current events, and its importance today.
1. The historical roots of antifascism: a movement born in turmoil
Antifascism emerged in the 1920s as an essential reaction to the rise of Italian fascism and German Nazism. It is not a structured political party, nor a doctrinal ideology. It is a collective, multifaceted, almost instinctive response from workers, intellectuals, students, artists, and laborers, facing the rise of a political order based on violence and authoritarianism.
1.1. Mussolini's Italy: birth of the word "antifascist"
The word "antifascist" appeared as early as the 1920s in Mussolini's Italy. Mussolini created The Italian Fasces of Combat (Fasci italiani di combattimento) in March 1919, from which the Fascist Party, born in 1921, would emerge.
Rapidly, fascism brutally asserted itself: police repression, assassination of activists, beatings of political opponents.
In response, the first forms of antifascist action spontaneously arose: protection of meetings, self-defense groups, underground newspapers. The movement united around one principle: preventing the crushing of freedom.
1.2. Germany in the 1930s: birth of the Antifa logo
In Germany, the situation quickly escalated. In 1932, the Antifaschistische Aktion, often abbreviated to "Antifa," was founded.
It was at this time that the future global Antifa logo was born: two overlapping flags, red and black, symbolizing unity between communists and anarchists. This visual would become the most famous antifascist symbol in the world.
1.3. World War II: Antifascism goes global
When war broke out, antifascism became a global struggle:
– French Resistance,
– Italian partisans,
– Greek and Yugoslav guerrillas,
– International Brigades in Spain.
Antifascist slogans such as "No Pasarán" and the now famous "Siamo tutti antifascisti", became legendary.
Even today, when young people wave an Antifa flag or wear an antifascist T-shirt, they are part of this hundred-year-old historical continuity.
Antifascist Congress in Berlin, 1932
2. Modern Antifascism: culture, actions, and symbols
After 1945, antifascism evolved. It became a social, cultural, militant movement, deeply linked to contemporary struggles.
2.1. The Antifa logo: the two flags and the three arrows symbol
The Antifa logo as we know it today actually combines two major historical references of European antifascism. The first, and most well-known, element is that of the two flags, one red and one black, first used in 1932 by the Antifaschistische Aktion in Germany. The red flag represents the workers' movement, socialist and communist, while the black flag symbolizes anarchist and libertarian traditions. Their superposition expresses the idea that, despite their differences, these currents unite in a common struggle: to stand against fascism. This logo would later become the most widespread antifascist symbol in the world and would adorn the Antifa flag, banners, stickers, and even antifascist T-shirts.
The second important element, sometimes less known to the general public, is the symbol known as the three arrows (Drei Pfeile). Created in 1931 by the German social-democratic movement Eiserne Front, it represented resistance to "three enemies": fascism, authoritarian monarchism, and totalitarian Bolshevism. The downward-pointing arrows symbolize the annihilation of these threats. In the 1970s-1980s, the modern Antifa movement re-adopted this symbol because it embodies an essential idea: antifascism is not a dogma, but a defense of democracy, freedom, and social rights against all forms of authoritarianism. Today, the two symbols — the red/black flags and the three arrows — coexist in Antifa culture, reminding us that this movement has its roots in several traditions of struggle against oppression.
2.2. The 1970s-1990s: resurgence in the face of neo-Nazism
In the 1970s, violence from neo-Nazi groups reappeared in Europe.
The antifascist response organized:
– counter-information,
– concert protection,
– blockades of fascist meetings,
– street actions.
The antifascist flag returned to the public sphere.
Symbols evolved: the modernized Antifa symbol and Antifa logo spread everywhere — stickers, posters, jackets, slogans, graffiti.
2.3. A political and visual culture
Modern antifascism forms an entire, immediately identifiable culture:
– red and black Antifa flag,
– raised fist,
– antifascist slogans,
– engaged punk concerts,
– graffiti,
– graphic posters,
– activist clothing like the antifascist T-shirt.
But beyond aesthetics, antifascism rests on three pillars:
self-defense, anti-racism and anti-authoritarianism.
These ideals explain why antifascist symbols have become powerful markers in modern demonstrations.
3. Antifascism in France: heritage, struggles, and contemporary resurgence
France has a unique antifascist history, founded on the Resistance, workers' movements, and student mobilizations.
3.1. Legacy of the Resistance
The Resistance forms the heart of French antifascist memory. The names of Jean Moulin, Lucie Aubrac, and Missak Manouchian embody a heroic struggle against Nazism.
This memory still fuels contemporary Antifa movements.
3.2. The 1990s: return of street antifascism
In the 1990s, racist violence and the rise of the National Front brought antifascism back to the forefront.
The first modern processions appeared:
– antifascist flags,
– stickers with the Antifa logo,
– first waves of antifascist T-shirts,
– counter-actions against neo-Nazis.
3.3. The Jeune Garde Antifasciste: new generation
Since 2010, one movement has distinguished itself: the Jeune Garde antifasciste.
Born in Lyon, it has spread to many cities (Paris, Strasbourg, Lille).
It organizes:
– disciplined processions,
– actions against neo-Nazi groups,
– militant investigations,
– educational campaigns.
Today, it embodies the most visible face of French antifascism.
4. Antifascism and contemporary politics: criminalization and global issues
4.1. Criminalization in the United States
When the United States classifies Antifa groups as "terrorists," they are not fighting violence:
they are criminalizing a movement that denounces the far-right.
This decision illustrates a political strategy aimed at reversing responsibilities.
4.2. Europe follows suit
In Europe too:
– surveillance of Antifa groups in Germany,
– repression in Italy,
– attempts to dissolve in France (notably targeting the Jeune Garde antifasciste).
The Antifa symbol itself sometimes becomes a pretext to suppress political opponents.
4.3. Why does antifascism bother people?
Because it exposes what many want to hide:
– racist violence,
– authoritarian excesses,
– collusion with far-right groups,
– normalization of hate.
The entire antifascist world thus becomes a symbol of civil resistance.
Conclusion: a movement still essential today
Antifascism is not a group, a fashion, or a marginal subculture.
It is a tradition of popular struggle, a legacy of the Resistance, a moral duty, and a civic commitment against hatred, racism, and authoritarianism.
The Antifa flag, Antifa slogans, and the antifascist symbol bear witness to this historical continuity.
In a world where the far-right is gaining ground, where hate speech is normalized, where some governments try to criminalize solidarity, antifascism remains an indispensable bulwark.
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FAQ — Your frequently asked questions about the Antifa movement
What exactly is Antifa?
Antifa is short for "antifascist." It is not a centralized organization but a decentralized militant movement that brings together individuals opposed to fascist, racist, far-right nationalist, and neo-Nazi ideologies. The antifascist movement has existed since the 1920s-1930s in Europe, long before the term "Antifa" appeared.
What are the historical origins of Antifa?
Antifascism was born in the 1920s in response to the rise of fascist parties in Italy and Germany. In Germany, the Antifaschistische Aktion movement was founded in 1932 by the German Communist Party to fight the Nazis. After World War II, the Antifa symbol (two crossed red and black flags) reappeared in the 1970s-1980s in West Germany, then spread worldwide.
The Antifa symbol, what do the two flags mean?
The Antifa symbol represents two crossed flags: one red (symbol of the workers' and socialist movement) and one black (symbol of anarchism). Together, they represent the unity of different left-wing tendencies in the struggle against fascism — beyond ideological divisions. This symbol has been used since the 1930s and is recognized worldwide.
Is it legal to wear Antifa symbols in France?
Yes, wearing antifascist symbols is legally permitted in France. Antifascism is a political expression protected by freedom of speech and opinion. The Antifa symbol is not on the list of symbols prohibited by French law. Attempts to ban it have occurred in other countries (notably in the United States under Trump) but without lasting legal success.
What is the connection between Antifa and Palestine?
Many antifascist activists consider solidarity with Palestine a natural extension of their fight against oppression and racism. The solidarity movement with Palestine and antifascism share common values: struggle against colonial occupation, defense of human rights, resistance to all forms of domination. This is why Antifa and Palestinian flags are often seen side by side in demonstrations.