Critical Theory and Demagogic Populism

Populism is a powerful force, but its full scope has eluded analytical tools. This book reconstructs sociological analyses of US demagogues by members of the Frankfurt School and compares them with contemporary approaches, highlighting the under-researched feature of modern demagoguery and the culture industry's populist contradictions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Populism is a force that is currently prevalent in society, yet its comprehensive understanding has evaded the scrutiny of both orthodox and heterodox "populism studies." This book offers a valuable alternative perspective, presenting a detailed reconstruction of the sociological analyses of US demagogues by members of the Frankfurt School. This comparison is made with contemporary approaches to populism.

Modern demagogy emerges as a significant under-researched aspect of populism, as populist movements, regardless of their political orientation, are highly susceptible to demagogic influence. The book delves into the populist contradictions of the culture industry, encompassing its role as an incubator of modern demagogues from the 1930s to the present-day social media and "Trumpian psychotechnics." Additionally, the book includes a previously unpublished text by Adorno on modern demagogy, making it of interest to individuals who are concerned about the rise of demagogic populism in contemporary times.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163738