Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction: Essays on Liberalism, Socialism, and Aristocratic Radicalism

This book offers a fresh perspective on Nietzsche's politics by examining his defense of aristocratic values against the levelling influence of the herd. It explores how this project continues to influence the political right, inspiring moderates like Jordan Peterson and far-right authors and activists like Aleksandr Dugin and Steve Bannon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book is a significant interdisciplinary contribution to the study of Nietzsche's thought, particularly his political ideas, and the political right more broadly. Throughout history, assessments of Nietzsche's politics have varied widely, from labeling him a precursor to Nazism to questioning the existence of his clear political convictions. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, he unexpectedly gained a significant theoretical influence on various post-structuralist radical critics. These critics saw value in Nietzsche's perspectivism and genealogy of power as tools for critiquing existing structures of domination.

This collection of essays aims to reframe the debate by examining Nietzsche's constructive political project, which aimed to defend aristocratic values against the leveling influence of the herd and its liberal, socialist, and democratic spokesmen. The essays will also explore how this defense of aristocratic values continues to shape the political right, inspiring moderates like Jordan Peterson and far-right authors and activists like Aleksandr Dugin and Steve Bannon.

Nietzsche's political ideas were deeply influenced by his belief in the superiority of the aristocratic class and his critique of modernity. He argued that the herd mentality and the pursuit of equality and democracy had led to the decline of individualism, creativity, and moral values. Nietzsche believed that the aristocracy was the only class that had the wisdom, experience, and moral strength to guide society and protect it from the destructive forces of modernity.

In his book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," Nietzsche presented his vision of a new aristocracy that would arise from the ashes of the old. This new aristocracy would be composed of individuals who had the courage to reject the values of the herd and embrace their own unique identities and values. These individuals would be free to pursue their own goals and dreams, without fear of criticism or persecution.

Nietzsche's political project was not without its critics, however. Many saw it as a dangerous ideology that could lead to the resurgence of aristocratic privilege and the oppression of the masses. Others argued that it was a utopian vision that was impossible to achieve in the real world.

Despite these criticisms, Nietzsche's political ideas continue to have a significant influence on the political right today. Moderates like Peterson have embraced Nietzsche's critique of modernity and his call for individualism and personal responsibility. Far-right authors and activists like Dugin and Bannon have also drawn on Nietzsche's ideas to argue for a return to traditional values and a rejection of liberalism and democracy.

One of the key themes in Nietzsche's political project is the idea of the "will to power." Nietzsche argued that the will to power was the driving force behind all human activity, and that the strongest individuals and societies were those that were able to harness this power for their own purposes. He believed that the aristocracy was the only class that had the will to power and the wisdom to use it for the benefit of society.

Another important aspect of Nietzsche's political project is his critique of democracy. He argued that democracy was a form of government that was based on the idea of equality and the pursuit of common goals, but that it was ultimately destructive to individualism and creativity. He believed that democracy was a means of controlling the masses and preventing them from expressing their own unique identities and values.

In conclusion, this book is a significant interdisciplinary contribution to the study of Nietzsche's thought, particularly his political ideas, and the political right more broadly. The essays in this collection explore Nietzsche's constructive political project, which aimed to defend aristocratic values against the leveling influence of the herd and its liberal, socialist, and democratic spokesmen. The book also examines how this defense of aristocratic values continues to shape the political right, inspiring moderates like Peterson and far-right authors and activists like Dugin and Bannon. Nietzsche's political ideas are deeply influenced by his belief in the superiority of the aristocratic class and his critique of modernity. Despite criticisms, his ideas continue to have a significant influence on the political right today, and his vision of a new aristocracy that is free to pursue its own goals and dreams remains a powerful and relevant concept.

Weight: 613g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031136344
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023