A Call to Dissent: Defending Democracy Against Extremism and Populism

In Western politics, dogmatism, prejudice, and bigotry are on the rise, and divisive governments are seeking to shut down dissent. Stuart Sim argues that the political left should challenge and stand up to right-wing populism and extremism, and calls on all of us to become dissenters to challenge authority and counter the growth of prejudice and bigotry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Dogmatism, prejudice, and bigotry are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western politics, with divisive governments seeking to suppress dissent and maintain their power. This suppression extends to political opponents, members of their own parties, the mainstream media, educators, protesters, and even voters. In response, A Call to Dissent advocates for dissent as an essential component of democracy. Stuart Sim argues that the political left is succumbing to despair in the face of growing right-wing populism and extremism rather than actively challenging and confronting it. He takes a broad perspective, exploring how dissent functions in philosophy, religion, science, and the arts, as well as in politics. Ultimately, he calls upon all individuals to become dissenters, challenging authority and working to counter the rise of prejudice and bigotry in public life.

Dogmatism, prejudice, and bigotry are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western politics, with divisive governments seeking to suppress dissent and maintain their power. This suppression extends to political opponents, members of their own parties, the mainstream media, educators, protesters, and even voters. In response, A Call to Dissent advocates for dissent as an essential component of democracy. Stuart Sim argues that the political left is succumbing to despair in the face of growing right-wing populism and extremism rather than actively challenging and confronting it. He takes a broad perspective, exploring how dissent functions in philosophy, religion, science, and the arts, as well as in politics. Ultimately, he calls upon all individuals to become dissenters, challenging authority and working to counter the rise of prejudice and bigotry in public life.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474494953