Arianna Sforzini

La resistenza come stile di vita “non-fascista”. Foucault, la rivoluzione e l’Iran

Introduction

La resistenza come stile di vita “non-fascista”. Foucault, la rivoluzione e l’iran. Foucault, resistenza e rivoluzione iraniana del '78: analisi della 'spiritualità politica' e del suo ruolo per uno stile di vita non-fascista.

Abstract

In the following text, I would like to put into question resistance as a philosophical and political possibility, based on some of Michel Foucault’s writings. I will focus, in particular, on the reportage written for Il Corriere della Sera during two trips to Iran in September and November 1978. In these articles, critically framing the historical and philosophical concept of revolution, Foucault describes the spreading revolts against the Shah’s regime as a form of resistance opening of the possibility of a transformation in history. He uses a fascinating and, at the same time, ambiguous concept: that of “political spirituality”. I will briefly analyse this notion, to finally show that some elements of Foucauldian analysis of the Iranian revolts are still important for reactivating a thought of resistance and questioning its role in building a “non-fascist way of life”.

Review

The paper, titled "La resistenza come stile di vita ‘non-fascista’. Foucault, la rivoluzione e l’Iran," proposes a timely and relevant inquiry into the philosophical and political possibilities of resistance, drawing primarily on Michel Foucault's engagement with the Iranian Revolution. The abstract clearly outlines an intention to critically re-evaluate Foucault's specific reportage for *Il Corriere della Sera* from 1978, using it as a lens to frame the historical concept of revolution and explore the potential for historical transformation. This promises a nuanced exploration of Foucault's thought on resistance, moving beyond conventional interpretations to address contemporary concerns. A key strength of this proposed study lies in its focused attention on Foucault’s somewhat contentious yet profoundly insightful dispatches from Iran. The author's commitment to analyzing the "fascinating and, at the same time, ambiguous concept" of "political spirituality" is particularly compelling. This notion, central to Foucault's understanding of the Iranian revolts, is posited as crucial for reactivating a contemporary "thought of resistance." The methodology appears to involve a critical textual analysis of Foucault's specific writings, using them to bridge historical events with broader philosophical questions about agency, power, and societal change, ultimately linking back to the concept of a "non-fascist way of life." The paper's ambition to show how elements of Foucauldian analysis remain pertinent for "questioning its role in building a 'non-fascist way of life'" positions it as a significant contribution to both Foucauldian scholarship and contemporary political theory. In an era marked by rising authoritarianism and challenges to democratic norms, reactivating a sophisticated understanding of resistance, divorced from reductive or violent connotations, holds considerable academic and public value. While the abstract tantalizingly presents these complex ideas, the full paper will undoubtedly need to rigorously unpack the nuances of "political spirituality" and precisely articulate how it informs a "non-fascist" ethos. Overall, this promises to be a stimulating and important piece that merits publication.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.