2025 Anti-Fascist Declaration: A Warning from 400 of the World's Leading Scholars, Efforts to Protect Democracy

Background of the 2025 Antifascist Declaration

In 2025, movements attempting to wield authoritarian power are emerging around the world again. Concerns are increasing that courts in the United States, Europe, some countries in South America, and Asia are failing to fulfill their roles, and that the freedoms of the press and scholars are under threat. As citizens are divided into factions and populist politics that decide policies according to popularity proliferate, democracy is becoming unstable. In this context, in June 2025, over 400 scholars worldwide signed and announced the 'Anti-Fascist Declaration.' This holds significant meaning as it goes beyond mere political action, showcasing that intellectuals are taking action. The declaration is not just a warning of danger but serves as a message of hope for safeguarding democracy and a record of the conscience of the era.

Attitude Learned Through History

The most positive aspect of this declaration is the attitude of learning from past history. Now, 100 years after intellectuals in Italy made the first anti-fascist declaration against Mussolini's fascism in 1925, scholars are sending warnings to the present world in the same spirit. This is an effort to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The declaration views the current crisis not as a completely different issue from the past, but as a historical pattern that can repeat itself. It especially emphasizes the phenomenon of authoritarian power gradually seeping into democratic institutions, highlighting the need for intellectuals to remain vigilant to avoid repeating past failures. It carries an ethical demand to understand the present through history and to take action right now.

Restoration of Intellectuals' Responsibility and Publicness

This declaration is a good example of how intellectuals should respond to the issues of our time. The voices of Nobel laureates, world-renowned scholars, scientists, and humanists unite in this declaration, demonstrating that academia can fulfill its social responsibilities rather than being confined to pure research detached from the world. This serves as a meaningful rebuttal to the prevailing anti-intellectualism that disregards intellectuals and the reluctance of the academic community to engage in discussions about social issues. The reason that the participation of intellectuals in politics can be seen not merely as taking sides or revealing political inclinations, but as a commitment to uphold values that everyone considers important, is that they discuss broader civic values beyond merely criticizing specific regimes.

Balance of Criticism and Inclusion

The reason this declaration is not just a simple political criticism is that it candidly addresses issues within democracy itself. The declaration strongly warns against dictatorial movements, while also criticizing the fact that even within democratic societies, various opinions are not respected and there exists a closed-minded attitude among certain privileged groups. This reflects an effort to recover the freedom and inclusivity of all social members without making excuses for one's own faults. Such a self-critical attitude not only enhances the legitimacy of the declaration but also opens the possibility for cooperation among individuals holding different perspectives. Critique is not only directed at others, but recognizing one's own limitations also advances the discourse on democracy.

Solidarity of the global civil society

The 2025 Anti-Fascist Declaration demonstrates the potential for solidarity that transcends borders. The fact that scholars from diverse nationalities, disciplines, and thoughts have come together to support a single declaration reaffirms that the values of democracy are not limited to specific countries or societies but are essential for all people around the world. In today's context, where political freedom and civil rights are under threat alongside global issues like climate change, war, and technological control, this international solidarity goes beyond merely addressing problems it showcases the collective wisdom needed to create a better world. They state in the declaration, 'We are not simply warning we intend to act together.' This is a heartfelt call that emphasizes that democracy is not just an institution to be preserved but an ongoing process that must be continually redefined.

Conclusion: Solidarity instead of silence, action instead of pessimism

The Anti-Fascist Declaration of 2025 is a message of hope that shows intellectuals can take action without remaining silent in the face of the current political crisis. Democracy is not merely an established institution, but a social promise that must be maintained through constant participation, reflection, and cooperation. This declaration prompts us to reconsider the era we are living in and presents us with the attitudes we should adopt. Most importantly, this declaration is not a reflection on the past, but a call to action for the present and a promise for the future. Democracy is not upheld by words alone. However, with awakened thoughts and actions, we can safeguard democracy. This declaration marks the beginning of those thoughts and actions.