Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State
An analysis of the rise of populism and the disavowal of politics in the West in recent years.

In recent years, the West has seen a rising tide of populist and anti-political feeling. Figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have gained power by distancing themselves from “the establishment” and portraying politics itself as the enemy of the people. And it’s not just them — increasingly, the media and politicians of all stripes hurl the word “ideological” as an insult, tie themselves in knots to avoid mentioning “the working class,” and champion the “depoliticising of key decision-making.” 

In this book, Eliane Glaser — one of the early commentators to call attention to this new wave of populism — takes stock of how we got here and where we’re going. At the heart of this is a vital question: Is the “death of politics” simply an inevitable sign of the times, going hand in hand with climate change, technological development and postmodern malaise? Or is it the intentional result of right-wing engineering? 

In addressing this question, Glaser shows how forces on the Right have manipulated and benefitted from the apathy of anti-politics; and how the Left’s move to centre under neoliberal leaders has helped in the process. She argues that in order to revive productive engagement and hope for the future, we need to return to three pillars of political philosophy that have become dirty words: ideology, authority and the state. Glaser puts forward a strong and galvanising defence of these foundations, showing that however unpopular they may be, they’re necessary for the functioning of a fair society.
1126997646
Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State
An analysis of the rise of populism and the disavowal of politics in the West in recent years.

In recent years, the West has seen a rising tide of populist and anti-political feeling. Figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have gained power by distancing themselves from “the establishment” and portraying politics itself as the enemy of the people. And it’s not just them — increasingly, the media and politicians of all stripes hurl the word “ideological” as an insult, tie themselves in knots to avoid mentioning “the working class,” and champion the “depoliticising of key decision-making.” 

In this book, Eliane Glaser — one of the early commentators to call attention to this new wave of populism — takes stock of how we got here and where we’re going. At the heart of this is a vital question: Is the “death of politics” simply an inevitable sign of the times, going hand in hand with climate change, technological development and postmodern malaise? Or is it the intentional result of right-wing engineering? 

In addressing this question, Glaser shows how forces on the Right have manipulated and benefitted from the apathy of anti-politics; and how the Left’s move to centre under neoliberal leaders has helped in the process. She argues that in order to revive productive engagement and hope for the future, we need to return to three pillars of political philosophy that have become dirty words: ideology, authority and the state. Glaser puts forward a strong and galvanising defence of these foundations, showing that however unpopular they may be, they’re necessary for the functioning of a fair society.
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Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State

Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State

by Eliane Glaser
Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State

Anti-Politics: On the Demonization of Ideology, Authority and the State

by Eliane Glaser

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Overview

An analysis of the rise of populism and the disavowal of politics in the West in recent years.

In recent years, the West has seen a rising tide of populist and anti-political feeling. Figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have gained power by distancing themselves from “the establishment” and portraying politics itself as the enemy of the people. And it’s not just them — increasingly, the media and politicians of all stripes hurl the word “ideological” as an insult, tie themselves in knots to avoid mentioning “the working class,” and champion the “depoliticising of key decision-making.” 

In this book, Eliane Glaser — one of the early commentators to call attention to this new wave of populism — takes stock of how we got here and where we’re going. At the heart of this is a vital question: Is the “death of politics” simply an inevitable sign of the times, going hand in hand with climate change, technological development and postmodern malaise? Or is it the intentional result of right-wing engineering? 

In addressing this question, Glaser shows how forces on the Right have manipulated and benefitted from the apathy of anti-politics; and how the Left’s move to centre under neoliberal leaders has helped in the process. She argues that in order to revive productive engagement and hope for the future, we need to return to three pillars of political philosophy that have become dirty words: ideology, authority and the state. Glaser puts forward a strong and galvanising defence of these foundations, showing that however unpopular they may be, they’re necessary for the functioning of a fair society.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781912248124
Publisher: Watkins Media
Publication date: 04/17/2018
Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format: eBook
Pages: 250
File size: 295 KB

About the Author

Eliane Glaser is a writer and BBC radio broadcaster. She is a senior lecturer at Bath Spa University and a research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author of Get Real: How to See Through the Hype, Spin and Lies of Modern Life (F2012), and writes for the Guardian, the New Statesman and the Independent.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Our Populist Predicament 15

Chapter 2 How Did We Get Here? 31

Chapter 3 The Left's Response 49

Chapter 4 The Case for Good Authority 59

Chapter 5 What Should the State Do? 71

Chapter 6 Democracy and the Fetish of Participation 81

Chapter 7 Bring Back Ideology - In a New Language 99

Chapter 8 Back to the Political Future 113

Selected Bibliography 135

Notes 138

Acknowledgements 141

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