Great Recoil: Politics after Populism and Pandemic

In times of health emergency, economic collapse, populist anger, and ecological threat, societies are turning inward in search of protection. Neoliberalism is on trial, while state intervention is making a comeback. This is the "Great Recoil," where the neo-statist endopolitics of national sovereignty, economic protection, and democratic control overrides the neoliberal exopolitics of free markets, labor flexibility, and business opportunity. Paolo Gerbaudo explores the different statisms and populisms that inform contemporary politics, arguing that the post-pandemic state should pursue a mission to protect native workers from immigration and the rich against redistributive demands or reassert social security and popular sovereignty against the rapacity of financial and tech elites. Socialists can turn the present phase of involution into an opportunity for social transformation by addressing the widespread sense of exposure and vulnerability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

In the face of a health emergency, economic collapse, populist anger, and ecological threats, societies are compelled to seek protection within themselves. The ideology of neoliberalism, which dominated global markets for decades, is being scrutinized, while state intervention is making a remarkable resurgence amidst lockdowns, mass vaccination programs, deficit spending, and climate planning. This phenomenon is known as the "Great Recoil," where the neo-statist endopolitics of national sovereignty, economic protection, and democratic control overshadow the neoliberal exopolitics of free markets, labor flexibility, and business opportunity.

To understand the dynamics of contemporary politics, it is essential to trace the historical roots of the state. By examining the works of influential thinkers such as Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Hegel, Gramsci, and Polanyi, as well as analyzing the discourses, electoral programs, and class blocs of the nationalist right and socialist left, Paolo Gerbaudo provides a comprehensive exploration of the various statisms and populisms that shape modern politics.

At the heart of the debate lies the question of the post-pandemic state's mission. Should it prioritize the protection of native workers from immigration and the rich against redistributive demands, as advocated by the authoritarian protectionism of the right? Or should it reassert social security and popular sovereignty against the rapacity of financial and tech elites, as championed by the social protectivism of the left? Only by addressing the widespread sense of exposure and vulnerability can socialists transform the current phase of involution into an opportunity for social transformation.

The "Great Recoil" presents a complex and challenging landscape for policymakers and social activists alike. It requires a nuanced understanding of the historical and ideological roots of the state, as well as a commitment to addressing the pressing needs and concerns of society. By navigating this period of uncertainty and instability, we can strive towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788730501