Philosopher Donatella Di Cesare Warns of Technofascism

Donatella Di Cesare, a professor of Theoretical Philosophy at Sapienza University in Rome, is a prominent voice warning against the resurgence of totalitarian ideologies. Her research focuses heavily on fascism, the Holocaust, and antisemitism, themes reflected in her home library and academic work. She has authored books such as Democracy and Anarchy and is working on a manuscript titled Technofascism.

Di Cesare's analysis centers on the idea that 'irresponsible freedom' is a core component of the new right. She also critiques the current European stance on migration, suggesting a policy that prioritizes internal protection while neglecting those outside its borders. Living in a neighborhood historically associated with Mussolini, her environment underscores her deep engagement with the study of past and present authoritarian threats.

Donatella Di Cesare resides in Rome, not far from the university where she teaches. Her neighborhood, which developed around Villa Torlonia, was once the residence of Mussolini. This geographical proximity to sites of historical significance mirrors her academic focus.

Her home is described as luminous and filled with books. The collection is heavily concentrated on the subject of fascism. This environment serves as a backdrop to her daily life and research, blending the personal with the intellectual.

As a professor of Philosophy Teorética at Sapienza, she occupies a significant position in Italian academia. Her surroundings provide a constant reminder of the history she studies and critiques.

Di Cesare's body of work addresses some of the darkest chapters of the 20th century and their echoes in the present. Her primary areas of investigation include the Holocaust and antisemitism.

In recent years, she has expanded her scope to examine the state of modern governance. She is the author of Democracy and Anarchy, published by Herder. This book explores the tensions and intersections between democratic structures and chaotic political forces.

Currently, she is preparing a manuscript titled Tecnofascismo (Technofascism). Although this specific work has not yet been published in Spanish, it signals her concern with how technology may intersect with authoritarian governance in the future.

Di Cesare identifies a specific danger in the ideology driving the new right. She argues that the movement is built around the concept of irresponsible freedom. She describes this as the 'nucleus' of these contemporary political movements.

Her critique extends to the geopolitical landscape of the continent. She points to a specific dynamic regarding migration and safety in Europe. According to her analysis, the prevailing logic in Europe is: 'En Europa importa tu protección y los de fuera, que sucumban' (In Europe, your protection matters and those from outside, let them succumb).

This statement highlights a perceived hypocrisy in European policy, where internal security is prioritized at the expense of those seeking entry. It reflects a broader philosophical concern about exclusion and the moral obligations of states.

While the source text mentions entities such as the CIA and Herder, the primary focus remains on Di Cesare's intellectual contributions. Her work connects historical analysis with contemporary political theory.

By situating her analysis within the physical context of Rome and the historical context of Mussolini's legacy, her arguments gain a tangible weight. She is not merely an abstract theorist but an observer rooted in the reality of a country that has navigated the complexities of fascism.

Her upcoming work on technofascism suggests that she views the threats of the future as evolving from traditional authoritarianism into digital or technologically driven forms.