Defensive Nationalism: Explaining the Rise of Populism and Fascism in the 21st Century

Defensive Nationalism explains why populism and fascism are on the rise in the early 21st century by combining Karl Polanyi's concept of the double movement with Joseph Schumpeter's theory of innovation. It traces how the rapid transformation of transportation and communications during the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution created economic interdependence and capital flows that induced radical economic, social, and political disruptions, leading to separate national-populist movements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the early 21st century, a novel account emerges that sheds light on the rise of populism and fascism. In societies that are technologically advanced, a pervasive sense of conspiracy theories and a widespread distrust of science and expertise have emerged, leading to deep political divisions that are dividing nations in two. Defensive Nationalism provides an explanation for this paradox, drawing upon history as a guide. B. S. Rabinowitz explores the turn-of-the-19th century, a period characterized by exceptional technological innovation that ultimately resulted in toxic political upheavals. To investigate the underlying reasons, the author combines Karl Polanyi's concept of the double movement with Joseph Schumpeter's theory of innovation. Through a captivating narrative spanning two centuries, the book traces how the rapid transformations of transportation and communications during the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution created economic interdependence and capital flows that induced radical economic, social, and political disruptions. In response, separate national-populist movements emerged, stemming from distinct national histories and struggles, leading to an era of defensive nationalism. Rabinowitz distinguishes between creative, consolidating, and defensive nationalism, offering a fresh perspective on studying socio-political patterns across time and space.

In the early 21st century, a novel account emerges that sheds light on the rise of populism and fascism. In societies that are technologically advanced, a pervasive sense of conspiracy theories and a widespread distrust of science and expertise have emerged, leading to deep political divisions that are dividing nations in two. Defensive Nationalism provides an explanation for this paradox, drawing upon history as a guide. B. S. Rabinowitz explores the turn-of-the-19th century, a period characterized by exceptional technological innovation that ultimately resulted in toxic political upheavals. To investigate the underlying reasons, the author combines Karl Polanyi's concept of the double movement with Joseph Schumpeter's theory of innovation. Through a captivating narrative spanning two centuries, the book traces how the rapid transformations of transportation and communications during the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution created economic interdependence and capital flows that induced radical economic, social, and political disruptions. In response, separate national-populist movements emerged, stemming from distinct national histories and struggles, leading to an era of defensive nationalism. Rabinowitz distinguishes between creative, consolidating, and defensive nationalism, offering a fresh perspective on studying socio-political patterns across time and space.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 156 x 237 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197672044