The four flags in the AISTI logo represent what we see as four essential and complementary lines of work within anti-fascist action.
Before discussing each flag separately, it’s important to note the main point: fascism is based on racism and xenophobia. People usually overcome prejudices about inequality based on nationality and skin color through education and critical thinking in their families and schools. But fascists deliberately transform racism and xenophobia into a political program. All four of our flags oppose this in different ways.
Anarchist Communism
Anarchist communists propose organizing communities according to the principle “from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.” This means that each person works for the benefit of the community as much time and effort as they are capable of, and will receive everything they need to satisfy their own needs and the needs of their loved ones. The goal of such communities is not accumulation of profit, but satisfaction of everyone’s needs with the least effort. Instead of private property and wage labor — free associations of people, where decisions are made not by bosses and owners, but by everyone together.
Fascism historically emerges as a defense of the existing economic order in moments of crisis. When people face unemployment, falling living standards, and uncertainty, the far right offers a simple answer: migrants, minorities, and left-wing activists are to blame. Thus popular discontent is redirected from real economic problems toward the search for “external enemies.” The anarchist communist approach to antifascism means working with the economic roots of fascism and practicing mutual aid and horizontal organization now, not just in the future.
Queer Anarchism
Anarcha-feminism critiques patriarchy as a system of domination connected to the state and capitalism. Queer anarchism develops anarcha-feminist ideas, going further in critiquing gender binaries and heteronormativity as tools of social control. Both tendencies oppose all forms of violence and repression — from domestic violence to state control over bodies and sexuality.
Fascist ideology is built on rigid gender norms: man as warrior and breadwinner, woman as mother and keeper of the hearth. The far right insists that “the roles of mother and father are different, not least because of biology,” and calls the family “the most important unit,” by which they mean only a heterosexual couple with children. Everything that doesn’t fit within these frameworks — LGBTQ+, feminism, gender diversity — is declared a threat to the “nation” and “traditional values.” LGBTQ+ people become among the first targets of fascist violence. The struggle against patriarchy and gender hierarchies undermines one of the main pillars of fascism.
Eco-Anarchism
Eco-anarchism views the ecological crisis as a social problem generated by hierarchy and capitalism. Domination over nature is built on the same logic as domination of some people over others. Eco-anarchists advocate for decentralized forms of life based on respect for nature, rather than its exploitation for profit extraction.
Fascists exploit the theme of ecological crisis, turning fear of the future into xenophobia. The far right speaks of “blood and soil,” accuses migrants of “seizing resources,” and demands “our land” for “our people.” At the same time, they have no intention of changing the economic system that leads to ecological catastrophe. Finland provides a telling example: fascists often speak of “protecting our country,” but they are almost invisible in environmental movements that defend Finland’s nature. On the contrary — they attack environmental activists. The right-wing government’s policies contribute to excessive exploitation of natural resources, as the pursuit of economic gain is placed first. The eco-anarchist approach shows the connection between the ecological crisis and those structures of power that produce fascism.
Anarcho-Pacifism as Antimilitarism
Anarcho-pacifism emphasizes nonviolent methods of social change — education, mutual aid, and the creation of alternative practices. This is not a rejection of self-defense. This is an understanding that long-term changes require working with people’s consciousness.
Fascism affirms violence not simply as a tactic, but as part of ideology.
War is the extreme form of fascism, the militarization of society taken to its limit.
We respect the anarchist heroes who chose armed resistance to Russian imperialist aggression in Ukraine. But here, in Finland, we are in solidarity first and foremost with the victims of war: with deserters and refugees, whom we help.
Unlike the far right, who close borders, reduce refugee quotas, and create an atmosphere of fear — up to physical attacks on migrants in Finnish cities. The anarcho-pacifist approach shows that it’s not enough to oppose fascists in the streets. We need to change the culture that generates violence. Education, critical thinking, and the deconstruction of authoritarian practices — this is a long-term strategy for fighting fascism.
These four directions show different facets of antifascist struggle. Regardless of which ideas are closer to you, if you share antifascist values and are ready to act — we will be glad to see you in our project.
AISTI is open to everyone who wants to participate in informational work, street agitation, and practical opposition to neo-nazism.
Join us!
Contact us (email: aisti [at] riseup.net) or come to our meetings.