Universal Fascism and its roots in Venice-blog
- Francesco De Giovanni
- Dec 29, 2024
- 11 min read
The source being examined is an excerpt from an article titled "Ledeen’s Beloved ‘Universal Fascism’: Venetian War Against the Nation-State" by Allen and Rachel Douglas. It was published in the Executive Intelligence Review on November 4, 2005. The article focuses on Michael Ledeen, an American neoconservative propagandist. Ledeen is known for promoting the permanent war/permanent revolution policies of the "Cheney cabal." [1, 2]
The article makes the argument that the Cheney cabal's policies are driven by Synarchy, which is "a desire to eliminate modern nation-states, and any vestige of the real American System, from the face of the Earth, in favor of a financier-run, fascist world empire". [1, 3] The authors trace the roots of Synarchy back to Venice. [1]
A central figure in the article is Count Vittorio Cini, who was a former minister in Mussolini’s cabinet and a top-ranking Venetian oligarch. [1, 4, 5] Cini was a close friend of Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata, a key figure in Italian politics and industry who was the real architect behind the Mussolini regime. [4]
Ledeen moved to Italy in 1965, where he was “adopted” by Cini and Renzo De Felice, a leading scholar of “universal fascism.” [4] Cini and De Felice gave Ledeen access to the closely guarded freemasonic archives in Rome and Venice to aid his studies of fascism. [6] The authors argue that Ledeen’s work promotes a revival of fascism in a new “universal” form, free of nationalistic limitations. [6] They connect this ideology to the Synarchists’ “Beast-man” project, which seeks to create a new man through endless war and revolution. [7]
The article examines the history of Venice and its role in shaping fascist ideology. It discusses figures such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, an Italian poet and war hero who led the first 20th-century experiment in fascist government in the city of Fiume, and the financial networks that supported fascist movements. [5, 8]
The authors draw parallels between Ledeen's ideas and the Venetian imperial tradition, highlighting Adda Bozeman's argument that Venetian methods, such as using "other agencies" like religious cults and brotherhoods for intelligence warfare, are relevant in a post-nation-state era. [9] They also point to Ledeen's controversial 1986 article in Partisan Review that argued for the need to break the law and operate outside of democratic norms. [10]
The article concludes that the Venetian imperial tradition is alive and well in the minds of Ledeen and his neoconservative allies, posing a threat to the principles of the American Republic. [11].
Vittorio Cini: a Ledeen's Fascist Mentor
Vittorio Cini, a top-ranking Venetian oligarch and former minister in Mussolini’s cabinet, was one of two senior figures who adopted Ledeen in 1965 when he moved to Italy. [1] Cini was a self-described “fraternal friend” of Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata. [1] Cini and Renzo De Felice, dean of postwar “universal fascism” studies, opened doors for Ledeen to the freemasonic archives in Rome and Venice to assist Ledeen in his studies of fascism. [2] The archives have a security-clearance system tighter than that of many governments. [2] The Cini Foundation’s biography of its founder explains how Cini, in the 1930s, “established contacts with various elements oriented towards ‘dissidence’ within Fascism.” [3] Several decades earlier, Cini had sponsored Giuseppe Bottai and other “young fascist intellectuals,” who were lionized by Ledeen in his book Universal Fascism. [3]
Universal Fascism FAQ
1. What is "universal fascism," and how does it differ from traditional fascism?
"Universal fascism," a term coined by Michael Ledeen, refers to a new, evolved form of fascism stripped of its limiting nationalistic elements. While traditional fascist regimes like those of Mussolini and Hitler focused on national power, universal fascism seeks to transcend national boundaries and establish a global hegemony under the control of a select few. It emphasizes a revolutionary and transformative spirit, seeking to create a "new man" through endless war and revolution, ultimately aiming for the destruction of nation-states and the establishment of a new world order.
2. Who is Michael Ledeen, and what role does he play in the concept of "universal fascism"?
Michael Ledeen is a neoconservative propagandist and former U.S. government official known for promoting a permanent war/permanent revolution policy. He is considered a proponent of universal fascism, which he sees as a revolutionary phenomenon capable of sweeping away the "decadence" of Western civilization, including Christianity, nationalism, and capitalism. Ledeen's writings and career demonstrate a deep fascination with fascism, particularly its early revolutionary phase.
3. How does Venice figure into the history of "universal fascism"?
Venice, with its history of oligarchical rule and imperial ambitions, serves as a model for universal fascism. The concept draws inspiration from Venetian intelligence operations, financial networks, and strategies for manipulating global events. Just as Venice once wielded power through secret societies, financial manipulation, and strategic alliances, proponents of universal fascism envision a similar system on a global scale.
4. What is the significance of Gabriele D'Annunzio and Fiume in understanding "universal fascism"?
Gabriele D'Annunzio, an Italian poet and war hero, established a short-lived fascist regime in Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) in 1919. Ledeen considers D'Annunzio's Fiume experiment a model for universal fascism, praising its revolutionary zeal and its attempt to create a "new man." D'Annunzio's regime, with its emphasis on the Dionysian spirit, its glorification of violence, and its rejection of traditional values, embodies the destructive and transformative impulse at the heart of universal fascism.
5. How does corporativism relate to "universal fascism"?
Corporativism, a system where society is organized into corporate groups representing different economic sectors, plays a key role in the economic model of universal fascism. This system, as envisioned by proponents like Ledeen, would ostensibly reconcile class conflicts and promote national unity. However, critics argue that corporativism ultimately serves the interests of a powerful oligarchy, allowing them to control the economy and society under the guise of harmony and cooperation.
6. What is the role of secret societies like Freemasonry in the concept of "universal fascism"?
Secret societies, particularly Freemasonry, have historically played a role in shaping events that led to the rise of fascism. Universal fascism similarly relies on clandestine networks, particularly within intelligence agencies, to manipulate events and advance its agenda. Figures like Ledeen and his associate James Jesus Angleton, a former CIA counterintelligence chief, allegedly used their connections within these networks to promote fascist agendas and cover up their activities.
7. What is the "Temple Mount plot," and how does it connect to "universal fascism"?
The "Temple Mount plot" refers to a conspiracy to blow up the Dome of the Rock mosque in Jerusalem, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews. This act, orchestrated by extremist elements within Freemasonry and religious fundamentalist groups, aims to trigger a global religious war, a key element in advancing the chaos and destruction necessary for the rise of a new world order. Michael Ledeen and his wife, Barbara, are alleged to have been involved in promoting this plot.
8. What are the dangers of "universal fascism" for the future of humanity?
Universal fascism poses a significant threat to humanity due to its inherent authoritarianism, its reliance on violence and chaos, and its ultimate goal of dismantling the nation-state system. The proponents of this ideology seek to establish a global dictatorship ruled by an unelected elite, a system that would suppress individual liberties, erode democratic institutions, and potentially plunge the world into perpetual conflict.
Michael Ledeen and the Venetian Legacy: A Briefing
These excerpts from "Ledeen’s Beloved ‘Universal Fascism’: Venetian War Against the Nation-State" by Allen and Rachel Douglas paint a disturbing picture of Michael Ledeen and his ideological roots, arguing that his actions are driven by a desire to resurrect a "universal fascism" modeled after Venetian oligarchical rule, aiming to dismantle nation-states and install a financier-led world empire.
Key Themes:
Ledeen's "Universal Fascism": Ledeen's ideology, termed "universal fascism", is presented as a revival of fascist principles, stripped of their nationalist limitations and focused on perpetual revolution and the creation of a "new man" through endless war and upheaval. This draws heavily from the French Revolution's Terror and Martinist Freemasonry, with its emphasis on "magic violence" and "progress" through destruction.
"The act of destruction which would precede the flowering of the new fascist hegemony," and would “sweep away the . . . dross of Western civilization, . . . the decadence of Western civilization in its nationalist and capitalist as-pects, as well as in its most ancient and solemn one, Chris-tianity.”
Venetian Influence: The authors tie this ideology to the historical model of Venice, a city-state ruled by an oligarchy that exerted its influence through manipulation, usury, and intelligence networks. Ledeen's connections to Venetian figures like Count Vittorio Cini and the Banca Commerciale Italiana (BCI), with its ties to Martinist Freemasonry, are highlighted as evidence of this lineage.
"The writings and career of Michael Ledeen open the window onto what lies behind, and drives the Cheney clique. It is the Synarchy... It is a desire to eliminate modern nation-states, and any vestige of the real American System, from the face of the Earth, in favor of a financier-run, fascist world empire. Its roots are in Venice..."
Historical Parallels: The authors trace the evolution of this ideology from D'Annunzio's Fiume experiment, a prototype for Mussolini's fascist regime, to the post-WWII efforts of figures like James Jesus Angleton to revive fascist networks within Italy. They connect Ledeen's activities in Italy during the 1970s and 1980s, including his alleged involvement in cover-ups for acts of terrorism, to these networks.
"The Fiume and Mussolini experiments give some sense of what Ledeen is promoting. Their sponsors also launched Europe into its bloodiest wars, World War I and World War II."
Contemporary Implications: The excerpts highlight Ledeen's advocacy for undermining democratic processes and legal constraints, favoring a system where a select few operate beyond oversight and accountability. His alleged involvement in the Temple Mount plot, aiming to incite religious warfare, is presented as a contemporary manifestation of this Venetian-inspired agenda.
"One cannot conduct foreign policy with more than 500 secretaries of state.” Clearly an un-American system of rule by “those few persons,” closed oligarchical committees running policy in secret behind the scenes, like the Venetian Council of Ten, would suit Ledeen better."
Important Facts and Ideas:
Ledeen's writings express admiration for fascist figures and ideology, advocating for a return to its "revolutionary roots."
He emphasizes the need for endless war and revolution to create a "new man."
The authors draw strong connections between Ledeen and Venetian oligarchical and intelligence networks.
They accuse Ledeen of participating in cover-ups of terrorism in Italy and promoting a plot to incite religious war in Jerusalem.
Ledeen's writings advocate for circumventing democratic processes and legal constraints, favoring a system of rule by a select few.
Conclusion:
This document presents a controversial and heavily accusatory analysis of Michael Ledeen, framing him as an agent of a centuries-old Venetian conspiracy seeking to dismantle nation-states and establish a global fascist empire. The authors utilize historical parallels and Ledeen's own writings to support their claims, creating a chilling narrative about the potential dangers posed by Ledeen and his ideological allies. It is important to note that this document presents a particular perspective and further research and critical analysis are necessary to assess the validity of its claims.
Timeline of Main Events:
Early 1900s:
1903: Giuseppe Volpi orchestrates a coup in Serbia, installing the Karageorgovic Dynasty. This is considered a pivotal event leading to the Balkan Wars and World War I.
1905: Volpi and Dannie Heinemann attempt to create a global electricity cartel.
1908: The Young Turks, with a core from the Venetian-influenced Donmeh cult, seize power in the Ottoman Empire. Volpi is present during the coup.
1910s:
1911: The Italo-Turkish War, fueled by Volpi and the Sicilian Mafia, further destabilizes the Balkans.
1912-1913: The Balkan Wars erupt, setting the stage for World War I.
1914: Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo, an event coordinated by Serbian intelligence operative Col. Dragutin Dmitrievich-Apis, effectively an agent of Volpi. World War I begins.
1919-1920: Gabriele D’Annunzio, supported by Venetian financiers like Toeplitz, leads a fascist experiment in Fiume, setting a precedent for Mussolini.
1920s:
1922: Mussolini, with financial backing from the Synarchist cartel, seizes power in Italy. Volpi, a key figure in the fascist regime, implements corporatist economic policies.
1930s:
1937: Volpi, as head of the Fascist Confederation of Industrialists, extols corporativism as the core achievement of the Fascist regime.
Post World War II:
Late 1940s - 1974: James Jesus Angleton, inheriting connections from his father, establishes a fascist network within Italian intelligence, laying the groundwork for the “Strategy of Tension.”
1965: Michael Ledeen, sponsored by Anglo-Venetian financiers, arrives in Italy and is mentored by Renzo De Felice and Count Vittorio Cini, both with ties to Italian fascism.
Late 1960s - 1980: Italy's “Strategy of Tension,” a period of terrorism and political instability, unfolds.
1970: Valerio Borghese, an Angleton operative, attempts a pro-fascist coup in Italy.
1972: Ledeen publishes "Universal Fascism", promoting a revived, non-nationalist form of fascism.
1975: Ledeen publishes "D’Annunzio, the First Duce", glorifying the Fiume experiment.
1978: Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro, pursuing a coalition government with communist support, is kidnapped and murdered. Ledeen is active in Italy during this period.
1980: The Bologna train station bombing kills 85 people. Pazienza and Ledeen are implicated in the subsequent cover-up.
1981: An assassination attempt is made against Pope John Paul II.
1982: P-2 banker Roberto Calvi is found dead in London. Pazienza testifies that Ledeen was receiving investigative material concerning the attempted assassination of the Pope.
1982-1983: The Temple Mount plot to destroy the Dome of the Rock emerges, with Barbara Ledeen playing a key role.
1986: Francesco Pazienza, a P-2 member and Ledeen associate, testifies about Ledeen’s role in the Supersismi, a parallel Italian intelligence structure.
Mid-1990s: The Temple Mount plot is reinvigorated, with figures like Spencer Compton and Giuliano di Bernardo involved.
21st Century:
Early 2000s: The Cheney cabal, with Ledeen as a prominent voice, implements a “permanent war” policy, echoing the Venetian imperial tradition.
Cast of Characters:
Venetian/Synarchist Faction:
Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata: A powerful Venetian financier, industrialist, and freemason. Key figure in establishing the Mussolini regime and orchestrating events leading to World War I.
Giuseppe Toeplitz: Head of the Venice branch of Banca Commerciale Italiana (BCI) and a major financier of D’Annunzio’s Fiume experiment. Associated with the Donmeh cult.
Count Piero Foscari: A member of a prominent Venetian dogal family and a key figure in the Synarchist syndicate.
Dannie Heinemann: A business associate of Volpi involved in the attempt to create a global electricity cartel. Later funded Count Coudenhove-Kalergi’s Pan-Europa Union.
Emmanuel Carasso: Grain trader and freemasonic co-conspirator of both Volpi and Alexander Parvus.
Bernardino Nogara: Volpi’s representative in Istanbul during the Young Turks coup. Later became controller of Vatican finances.
Contessa Anna Morosini: The “uncrowned Queen of Venice,” known for her influential salon frequented by powerful figures.
Dr. Asher Kaufman: A physicist and member of the elite Quatuor Coronati Lodge in London, involved in the Temple Mount plot.
Edoardo Recanati: A descendant of a Venetian banking family, involved in the Temple Mount plot through purchasing land in Jerusalem.
Italian Fascists:
Benito Mussolini: Dictator of Fascist Italy. Implemented corporatist economic policies championed by Volpi.
Gabriele D'Annunzio: A poet, war hero, and early fascist leader. Led the Fiume experiment, which served as a model for Mussolini. Glorified by Ledeen.
Valerio Borghese: A World War II-era Italian fascist leader and Angleton operative. Attempted a pro-fascist coup in Italy in 1970.
U.S. Intelligence and Neo-Cons:
Michael Ledeen: A neo-conservative propagandist and advocate for “universal fascism.” Heavily influenced by his time in Italy and connections to figures with fascist ties.
James Jesus Angleton: Longtime CIA counterintelligence chief who established a fascist network within Italian intelligence.
Barbara Ledeen: Wife of Michael Ledeen and an editor at the Biblical Archeology Review. Played a key role in the Temple Mount plot.
Francesco Pazienza: A P-2 member and close associate of Ledeen. Held a high position in SISMI and was involved in the Supersismi.
Federico D’Amato: Head of the secret UAR section of the Italian Interior Ministry. A recruit of Angleton and an associate of Ledeen.
Adda Bozeman: An advocate for the use of Venetian methods in U.S. intelligence, particularly the utilization of “other agencies” like religious cults and brotherhoods.
Other Key Figures:
Col. Dragutin Dmitrievich-Apis: Serbian intelligence operative effectively working for Volpi. Coordinated the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
General N.M. Potapov: Russian military attaché in Montenegro who trained the Montenegrin Army and provided support for the assassins of Archduke Ferdinand. Later became a prominent figure in the Soviet Red Army.
Spencer "Spenny" Douglas David Compton, Seventh Marquess of Northampton: Head of the United Grand Lodge of England and sponsor of Giuliano di Bernardo's new Italian grand lodge.
Prof. Giuliano di Bernardo: Founder of a new Italian grand lodge after the P-2 scandal. A proponent of rebuilding Solomon's Temple.
Renzo De Felice: A leading scholar of “universal fascism” who mentored Ledeen in Italy. Believed fascism to be a “revolutionary phenomenon” with potential for revival.
Count Vittorio Cini: A Venetian oligarch and former minister in Mussolini’s cabinet. Provided Ledeen with access to secret freemasonic archives.
King Nicholas of Montenegro: Ruler of Montenegro, heavily indebted to Volpi and the Venetian faction. His daughters’ marriages into European royalty earned him the nickname “the father-in-law of Europe.”
Walter Rathenau: Chairman of Allgemeine Elektrizitaets Gesellschaft (AEG) and an influential figure in early 20th century European industry.
C.H. Norman: British Labour Party figure who revealed the Grand Orient’s plan for a vast political scheme leading to World War I.
Hugh Angleton: Father of James Jesus Angleton, a businessman with close ties to the Mussolini regime.
This timeline and cast of characters provide a framework for understanding the complex network of individuals and events associated with "universal fascism" and its historical roots in Venetian oligarchism. Please note that this information is based on the provided source material and may require further investigation and cross-referencing with additional sources for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Comments