Cultures of Populism: Institutions, Practices and Resistance

Populism's global spread is explored in this collection of essays, examining its manifestations on the political left and right and its dangerous association with nativism, racism, and xenophobia. The humanities' capacity to interpret, evaluate, and intervene in this moment is emphasized, with literary discussion ranging from Henry James and William Faulkner to Toni Morrison, David Foster Wallace, Ali Smith, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The emergence of populism has been a captivating and frequently unsettling phenomenon during the early years of the twenty-first century. This collection of essays delves into the intricate histories and diverse geographies of populist movements, exploring their manifestations on both the political left and right while examining their perilous connection with nativism, racism, and xenophobia. Established socio-political theories are called into question and challenged, paving the way for fresh philosophical or cultural perspectives. At the core of this collection lies a concern with the ability of the humanities, particularly literary studies, to interpret, evaluate, and intervene in the current populist moment. The literary discussions span a range of authors, including Henry James, William Faulkner, Toni Morrison, David Foster Wallace, Ali Smith, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. These essays showcase the relevance and significance of inquiries from various perspectives in understanding the impact of populist rhetoric on meaning and truth, as widespread misinformation undermines conceptual and ethical coherence.

The chapters in this book were originally published in Safundi: The Journal of South African and American Studies and English Studies in Africa.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367715632