Ke genezi komparativních fašistických studií a „novému konsenzu“
The genesis of comparative fascist studies and the “new consensus”

Summary/Abstract: A theoretically based study of fascism is almost unknown in Czech historiography, and extensive foreign debates on the subject have not been considered over a long period of time. This text seeks to at least partially rectify this shortcoming and to raise awareness of one important and rather controversial part of contemporary discussions on fascism and its significance as a social-science concept, i.e. the so-called “new consensus”. In recent years, this school of thought has gained considerable recognition in the Anglo-Saxon milieu. The main proponent of this approach, British historian Roger Griffin, has been endeavouring to ensure the qualitative formulation of a new comparative model of fascism and a change of paradigm in fascist studies. In his work, he primarily emphasises the positive content of fascist ideology and the constitutive role of the core of the ideology for fascist practices and the political style of fascism. The introduction to the text briefly summarises the various forms of the comparative model of fascism since the 1960s and it thematises the main issues associated with the study of fascism. The focal point of this exposition consists of a detailed discussion of Griffin’s concept of fascism and the identification of its ideological roots. It also takes stock of the significance of his work in contemporary discussions. The article concludes by striving to argue that, despite some deficiencies in his approach, it is possible to view Roger Griffin’s efforts on behalf of the further study of fascism to be both valuable and beneficial.

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