Radical Politics: On the Causes of Contemporary Emancipation

The last twenty years have seen a rise of radical social and political movements worldwide, challenging exploitation, domination, and subalternization. Peter D. Thomas' book Radical Politics explores how these movements should relate to the state, differentiate themselves from technocratic and populist models, and deepen the dynamics that led to their emergence. He argues that hegemony is a process of differentiation in which political culture is always changing, moving toward expanded freedom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The last twenty years have seen a surge of radical social and political movements across the globe, fueled by relentless struggles against intersecting forms of exploitation, domination, and subalternization. From the International Women's Strike and Occupy to #BlackLivesMatter and direct action against the climate emergency, a series of pressing questions have consistently re-emerged as immediate and practical challenges. How should radical political movements engage with the state? What distinguishes emancipatory politics from both technocratic and populist models of politics as usual? Which organizational forms are most likely to deepen and extend the dynamics that gave rise to these movements in the first place?

To explore these critical questions, Peter D. Thomas draws on the rich insights of Antonio Gramsci, the Italian Communist Party leader and political theorist renowned for his profound ideas about hegemony. Hegemony, commonly understood as either the top-down functioning of a political system through a culture of passive consent or the neutralization of cultural and political differences to foster unity in a nation-state, has captured the attention of both the left and right. However, Thomas argues that these interpretations fail to fully grasp the radical potential of Gramsci's ideas.

In Radical Politics, Thomas offers a fresh perspective on Gramsci, contending that hegemony is a dynamic process of differentiation aimed at expanding freedom. Through a meticulous reading of Gramsci's writings, Thomas reveals that hegemony is not a fixed state but a continuous journey of transformation. Political culture, he argues, is constantly evolving, driven by the pursuit of new possibilities and the expansion of human horizons.

Throughout the book, Thomas delves into various aspects of hegemony, including its historical roots, its relationship to power, and its implications for political engagement. He explores how hegemony operates in different contexts, such as the global economy, the media, and the state apparatus. He also examines the role of intellectuals, activists, and social movements in challenging and transforming hegemonic structures.

One of the key insights of Radical Politics is that hegemony is not solely a top-down phenomenon but also involves the active participation of individuals and groups. Thomas emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing, social movements, and the creation of alternative spaces for political expression and deliberation. He argues that by building alternative institutions and networks, individuals can challenge the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate hegemony.

Furthermore, Thomas explores the relationship between hegemony and emancipatory politics. He argues that emancipatory politics is fundamentally different from both technocratic and populist models of politics as usual. Emancipatory politics, he suggests, is rooted in the recognition of human dignity and the pursuit of social justice. It seeks to empower individuals and groups to participate fully in the political process and to reclaim their agency and voice.

In conclusion, Radical Politics is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a new understanding of hegemony and its implications for radical political engagement. By drawing on the work of Antonio Gramsci, Peter D. Thomas provides a framework for analyzing the goal, nature, method, and organizational forms of radical political engagement against the neoliberal consensus. Through a rigorous analysis of Gramsci's ideas and a close examination of contemporary political realities, Thomas offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing radical movements today. Whether one is a scholar, activist, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of social change, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complex terrain of contemporary politics.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 150 x 218 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197528075