Overview

We live in an age of counterrevolution. Liberal elites around the world are weaponising their fascistic narratives, creating political enemies of the 'other' as a means of consolidating even more power and wealth. While scapegoating minorities is nothing new, we have never seen it happen quite like this before. Today, global capitalism is financialised, tech-driven and violently mercantilist. This collection of essays from leading researchers reveals new forms of the radical right, neo-nationalism, authoritarian neoliberalism, illiberalism and democratic backsliding. Looking beyond the simplistic headlines, they reveal the deep systemic shifts that have been building for decades. Exploring India, Eastern Europe, the US, Argentina, Germany and more, Backlash draws the systemic connections between these seemingly nationalist movements, providing crucial information for those on the left looking for weaknesses in the terrifying rise of the right.

Full Product Details

9780745351995

Table of Contents

Reviews

'An urgent book. Its historical materialist approach has produced a depth and grounding too often lacking in contemporary debates about the rise of illiberal politics, and the clear focus on what is to be done is substantive rather than shrill. The collected essays show how the rise of autocracy links to global upward transfers of wealth, in ways that are crucial to our understanding of the world today and what we might do – politically – in response.' -- Sian Lazar, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge 'Whither humanity? Blending incisive political economy with sensitive ethnography and thoughtful, passionate and personal reflection, this book provides bleak answers from around the world' -- Chris Hann, Emeritus Director, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology 'With the far right continuing to consolidate power across the world, Backlash is an essential guide to the different forms authoritarian populism has taken and the different strategies it has employed. The book's cross-cutting analysis and attention to examples in both the Global South and Global North make it required reading not only for scholars but for those on the frontlines of fighting fascism.' -- John Feffer, author of <i>Right Across the World</i> 'Backlash refuses to dither while fascists burn our planet. A High Noon call to analytical arms for academics and activists; global, local, everywhere.' -- Patrick Neveling, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, Bournemouth University

Author Information

Don Kalb is a leading anthropologist of global capitalism, class, labor and neo-nationalism, Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, and director of the GRIP programme on global inequality (UiB and the International Science Council). His most recent book is Value and Worthlessness: The Rise of the Populist Right and Other Disruptions in the Anthropology of Capitalism. Walden Bello is an author, academic and political analyst. He has devoted most of his life to fighting imperialism and corporate globalisation, and has served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. Designated 'my favourite no-nonsense revolutionary' by Naomi Klein, he is also the recipient of 'Most Distinguished Defender of Human Rights' by Amnesty International Philippines in 2023, and author or co-author of many books.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available