Alt-Right: What Everyone Needs to Know (R)

The Alt-Right is a white nationalist movement that has grown rapidly in recent years, taking advantage of racial polarization. George Hawley's book provides a clear explanation of the ideas, tactics, history, and prominent figures of the movement, and challenges the idea that it is a new phenomenon. However, its size and influence are often exaggerated, and it represents a genuine challenge to pluralistic liberal democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The so-called "Alt-Right," a white nationalist movement, has experienced a concerning surge in recent years. Taking advantage of heightened racial polarization, the Alt-Right aims to mainstream explicit white identity politics. This movement, which began as a marginalized and disorganized group of Internet trolls and propagandists, has emerged as a major news story during the 2016 presidential election. Discussions about the Alt-Right have now become a regular feature in political discourse across the United States and beyond.

In his book "The Alt-Right: What Everyone Needs to Know®," George Hawley, a renowned expert on the conservative movement and right-wing radicalism, offers a comprehensive exploration of the ideas, tactics, history, and prominent figures associated with this movement. While it may present itself as a novel phenomenon, the Alt-Right is merely the latest iteration of a long-standing radical right-wing political tradition.

Despite its potential threat to pluralistic liberal democracy, the Alt-Right's size and influence are often exaggerated. It is crucial to distinguish between President Donald Trump's diverse range of right-wing politics and the Alt-Right, as conflating the two can lead to overestimation of the former's influence and downplay of the latter's radicalism.

Hawley provides a insightful tour of the contemporary radical right, highlighting its distinct characteristics from more mainstream forms of conservatism. He employs a dispassionate and accessible language to orient readers to this disruptive and potentially dangerous political moment. By delving into the origins, beliefs, and tactics of the Alt-Right, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by this movement to democratic societies.

The Alt-Right's rise can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing influence of social media platforms, the rise of populism, and the backlash against globalization. However, it is important to recognize that the Alt-Right is not a monolithic entity, and its members hold a range of beliefs and ideologies. Some individuals within the movement may be motivated by racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of hate, while others may argue that the Alt-Right is simply a response to the perceived marginalization of white people in modern society.

Regardless of the motivations behind the Alt-Right, its growth poses significant challenges to democratic societies. The spread of hate speech, the promotion of white supremacy, and the erosion of social cohesion are all risks associated with this movement. It is crucial for individuals, governments, and civil society to be vigilant in countering the Alt-Right's influence and promoting inclusive and democratic values.

In conclusion, the Alt-Right represents a concerning trend in contemporary politics. While its size and influence may be exaggerated, it poses a genuine challenge to pluralistic liberal democracy. It is essential to understand the ideas, tactics, and history of the Alt-Right to counter its influence and promote inclusive and democratic values. By engaging in informed discussions and taking proactive measures, we can work towards a society that values diversity, equality, and respect for all individuals.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 206 x 138 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190905200