‘Fascism is about reconquering societies,’ warns Boaventura de Sousa Santos.

The Portuguese sociologist talks to TV 247 about accusations of harassment, identitarianism, the left, big tech and the rise of ‘insidious fascism’ in democracies.

247 - Portuguese sociologist Boaventura de Sousa Santos has declared that he is currently fighting a battle for dignity amid allegations of sexual harassment, moral harassment and abuse of power that have rocked his academic career. In an extensive conversation, he reviews his biography, refutes the accusations, criticises identitarianism and warns of an ‘insidious fascism’ that, according to him, is conquering societies through narcissism, resentment and the algorithmic manipulation of emotions.

The interview was given to journalist Hildegard Angel on TV 247, in an atmosphere of trust and confrontation of ideas. For almost two hours, Boaventura talks about his judgements, the reaction of the press, the loneliness he says he faces after decades of activism in social struggles, and the international political context which, in his opinion, favours the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy.

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