Mit Nietzsche und Marx: Jenseits des Ressentiments – gegen Elitenpopulismus

Abstract This article reconstructs the complementary critiques of capitalist modernity in Nietzsche and Marx and the potential corrective function they may play for each other (1). It reminds us that the collective singular of Marxism, as a historical reality of internationality, has always been plural and thus encompasses such diverse currents as the ‘Western’ Frankfurt School and ‘Eastern’ Marxism-Leninism (2). From here, it proceeds to the contemporary diagnosis of ressentiment widespread within today’s fascising forces. Both the clear differences and the obvious overlaps between current applications and Nietzsche’s pioneering work in coining the term are considered (3). In a next step, the article proposes a Marxist reading of Nietzsche’s concept as an analytical tool to grasp social-psychological structures of capitalism, and particularly of authoritarian neoliberalism (4). Moving beyond the ‘helpless anti-fascism’ (W. F. Haug) of liberal interpretations, the conclusion argues that the material foundation of ressentiment can only be undermined if democracies emancipate themselves from their conformity to the market (5).