PerspectiveExamining Whether the Terrorism Label Applies to Antifa

Published 27 August 2019

Antifa is an umbrella movement comprising people of various ideologies who are united in their opposition to white supremacism, neo-Nazism and fascism. Some elements of antifa — especially anarchists, along with Marxists, Maoists, and anarcho-syndicalists, who are usually among the most visible, vocal and violent elements which take part in antifa protests – endorse, and participate in, political violence Does all of that make antifa a terrorist organization? Scott Stewart writes for Stratfor that the short answer is no — if for no other reason that antifa isn’t really a group or organization to begin with. “But even if elements that participate in the antifa movement espouse political violence to oppose white supremacists, that doesn’t make it a terrorist group — presidential threats to declare it one notwithstanding. Nevertheless, the more forceful aspects of the ideology’s direct action are likely to result in disorder on the streets and damage to property, presenting a problem for any person or business that happens to find itself in the way,” Stewart writes.

Antifa is an umbrella movement comprising people of various ideologies who are united in their opposition to white supremacism, neo-Nazism and fascism. Nevertheless, elements that often participate in antifa actions, such as anarchists, do condone and participate in terrorism and political violence. White supremacist groups intentionally hold rallies in left-leaning cities like Portland, Oregon, in hopes of sparking antifa violence, as they believe such action generates publicity and sympathy for their cause.

On 16 August, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that authorities were giving “major consideration” to naming antifa an “organization of terror.”

Does all of that — the endorsement of, and participation in, political violence by some elements of antifa, especially anarchists, along with Marxists, Maoists, and anarcho-syndicalists, who are usually among the most visible, vocal and violent elements which take part in antifa protests — make antifa a terrorist organization?

Scott Stewart writes for Stratfor that the short answer is no — if for no other reason that antifa isn’t really a group or organization to begin with. That, however, doesn’t mean that some who have adopted the ideological mantle of anti-fascism do not engage in terrorist or militant activity — something that could have profound implications for anyone caught in the middle of a battle between antifa and the far-right.

He writes:

Is it wrong to oppose neo-Nazis and other white supremacists? No. But that does not make the more violent aspects of the antifa movement a noble undertaking, as both parties in a conflict can be odious. By way of example, look no further than the battle between the Islamic State and al Qaeda, which disproves the old adage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.  

Furthermore, the methods that antifa participants use to oppose white supremacists are clearly at odds with the U.S. Constitution, which grants everyone — no matter how reprehensible their speech is — the right to speak freely or assemble without facing the prospect of physical violence. What’s more, antifa’s actions against groups such as the Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer not only generate massive amounts of publicity for these extreme organizations, but also sympathy. This benefits white supremacists more than it hurts them — illustrating why they continue to conduct marches in places like Portland, where the well-organized local antifa scene will inevitably take the bait and assault them, reinforcing their narrative that they are an oppressed group. In this way, far from beating back the white supremacist movement, antifa is pouring fuel on the racist fire.

But even if elements that participate in the antifa movement espouse political violence to oppose white supremacists, that doesn’t make it a terrorist group — presidential threats to declare it one notwithstanding. Nevertheless, the more forceful aspects of the ideology’s direct action are likely to result in disorder on the streets and damage to property, presenting a problem for any person or business that happens to find itself in the way.