Capitalism, fascism and democracy in the work of Karl Polanyi. A crossroads still alive

This essay reconstructs some of the vectors implicit to the historical development of the European modernity following the analysis of Karl Polanyi. This political and historical crossroads is related to a long-term conflict between free-market economy and democracy. It is a complex theoretical and practical field open to different itineraries that include the tragedy of fascism. The interpretation of Karl Polanyi of this historical dynamic is conceptually powerful and more up-todate than ever.