who is antifa

Antifa, short for "anti-fascist," is a decentralized political movement mainly in the United States composed of left-wing activists who oppose fascism, racism, and far-right ideologies. Members often identify as anarchists, communists, or socialists and use a range of tactics from nonviolent direct action like protests and community organizing to sometimes violence and property damage as forms of self-defense or to disrupt far-right activities. Antifa groups have no centralized leadership and are known for organizing in black blocs, wearing black clothing to conceal their identities. They actively confront neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists, aiming to prevent their gatherings or influence. The movement draws on historical anti-fascist activism, with roots tracing back to opposition groups in Nazi Germany and contemporary activism in the 1980s against racist skinheads and groups like the KKK. The movement is controversial, with some labeling it militant or extreme left, and there have been efforts by some political figures, such as former US President Donald Trump, to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization, although Antifa's decentralized nature complicates such attempts legally. Antifa is not a single organization but rather a loose affiliation of autonomous groups united by opposition to fascism and far-right extremism.