Meaning: This quote by Buenaventura Durruti, a prominent figure in the Spanish Civil War and anarchist movement, captures the essence of the relationship between fascism, the bourgeoisie, and the struggle for power. Durruti's words reflect the idea that governments and ruling classes often manipulate and utilize fascist ideologies and movements to maintain their control and privilege, rather than genuinely fighting against fascism as a destructive force.

Fascism is a political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and dictatorial power. It often involves the suppression of opposition and the glorification of a strong, centralized state led by a single leader. Historically, fascism has been associated with the rise of dictators such as Adolf Hitler in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy, and Francisco Franco in Spain. These leaders and their regimes sought to consolidate power and suppress dissent through the use of violence, propaganda, and state control.

Durruti's perspective on fascism and its relationship to the bourgeoisie reflects the anarchist critique of the collusion between political and economic elites. The bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, is seen as utilizing fascist movements and ideologies as a means of preserving their economic and social privilege in the face of challenges from below. When the existing power structures are threatened, whether by popular uprisings, labor movements, or revolutionary changes, the bourgeoisie turns to fascism as a tool for maintaining their dominance.

The historical context in which Durruti developed his views is crucial to understanding the significance of his words. The Spanish Civil War, which raged from 1936 to 1939, pitted a coalition of left-wing and anarchist forces against the right-wing Nationalist faction led by General Francisco Franco. The conflict was a microcosm of the broader struggle between fascism and its opponents in Europe during the interwar period. Durruti and his fellow anarchists were at the forefront of the anti-fascist resistance, and their experiences informed their understanding of the dynamics at play.

In the context of the Spanish Civil War, the collusion between the bourgeoisie and fascism was evident in the support that Franco's Nationalists received from conservative and wealthy interests. Industrialists, landowners, and foreign powers backed the Nationalists as a bulwark against the perceived threat of social revolution and the redistribution of wealth and power. This support extended to the use of fascist paramilitary groups and brutal repression to maintain the status quo.

Durruti's quote also speaks to the broader patterns of history, where the ruling classes have often embraced authoritarian and repressive measures when their position is threatened. From the rise of fascism in the 20th century to contemporary examples of authoritarian backlash, such as the erosion of democracy in certain countries, the dynamics described by Durruti continue to resonate.

In conclusion, Buenaventura Durruti's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on the relationship between fascism, the bourgeoisie, and the struggle for power. It reflects the anarchist analysis of how ruling elites utilize fascist movements and ideologies to maintain their privilege and control, rather than genuinely combatting fascism as a destructive force. Understanding the historical context of the quote, particularly the Spanish Civil War and the broader dynamics of power and resistance, illuminates the enduring relevance of Durruti's insights into the nature of fascism and its entanglement with entrenched interests.