The Age of Discontent: Populism, Extremism, and Conspiracy Theories in Contemporary Democracies

The book "The Age of Discontent" argues that the years following the 2008 financial crisis produced a surge of political discontent with populism,conspiracism,and Far Right extremism rising across the world,but that these movements coalesced around cultural issues rather than economic grievances. It uses the framework of Affective Political Economy to demonstrate that emotions borne of economic crises produce cultural discontent,thus enflaming conflicts over values and identities. The book argues that states must fulfill their roles as providers of social insurance and channels for citizen voices if they wish to turn back the tide of political discontent.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The years that followed the 2008 financial crisis witnessed a surge of political discontent, marked by the rise of populism, conspiracism, and Far Right extremism across the globe. Despite this timing, many of these movements converged around cultural issues rather than purely economic grievances. However, the question arises: if culture, rather than economics, is the primary driver of political discontent, why did these developments emerge after a financial collapse, a pattern that has repeated throughout the history of democratic societies?

To address this question, The Age of Discontent employs the framework of Affective Political Economy. This framework suggests that emotions stemming from economic crises give rise to cultural discontent, fueling conflicts over values and identities. The book utilizes this framework to explore the rise of populism and the radical right in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, and the social uprising in Chile. It argues that states must fulfill their roles as providers of social insurance and channels for citizen voices if they are to reverse the tide of political discontent.

The book begins by examining the economic crisis of 2008 and its impact on various countries. It highlights the disproportionate suffering of marginalized communities, such as the working class and ethnic minorities, who bore the brunt of the crisis. This inequality, combined with a sense of disillusionment and frustration, fueled the rise of populist movements that promised to address these issues and restore a sense of pride and belonging.

In the United States, for example, the book explores the rise of Donald Trump as a populist leader. Trump capitalized on the economic grievances of working-class Americans and promised to bring back jobs, protect American industries, and renegotiate trade deals. His campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," resonated with many who felt left behind by the mainstream political establishment.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the book examines the rise of Brexit and the popularity of the Far Right. Brexit was driven by a desire for greater control over immigration and national identity, and the Far Right exploited these concerns to gain support. The book argues that the political establishment in the UK failed to address the legitimate concerns of working-class voters, leading to their support for extremist movements.

In Spain, the book explores the rise of the far-right party VOX, which has gained significant support in recent years. VOX advocates for a conservative, nationalist agenda and has criticized the mainstream political establishment for its perceived weakness on issues such as immigration and national identity. The book argues that the economic crisis and the perceived failure of the Spanish government to address the needs of its citizens have contributed to the rise of VOX.

In Brazil, the book examines the rise of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been characterized as a populist leader. Bolsonaro has embraced a nationalist agenda and has criticized the political establishment for its perceived corruption and inefficiency. The book argues that the economic crisis and the social inequality that it has exacerbated have contributed to Bolsonaro's popularity.

In Chile, the book explores the social uprising
uprising that took place in 2019. The uprising was driven by a desire for greater social and economic equality, and it was marked by protests, strikes, and clashes with security forces. The book argues that the economic crisis and the perceived failure of the Chilean government to address the needs of its citizens have contributed to the rise of the uprising.

Throughout the book, the authors argue that the rise of populism and the radical right is not solely a result of economic grievances but also of cultural factors. They argue that economic crises can create a sense of hopelessness and despair, which can be exploited by extremist movements that promise to restore a sense of pride and belonging. They also argue that cultural discontent can be exacerbated by the political establishment's failure to address the legitimate concerns of marginalized communities.

The authors suggest that states must fulfill their roles as providers of social insurance and channels for citizen voices if they are to turn back the tide of political discontent. This includes investing in education and healthcare, promoting social mobility, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared fairly among all members of society. It also includes promoting dialogue and inclusivity, and addressing the underlying cultural tensions that contribute to political discontent.

In conclusion, The Age of Discontent provides a valuable framework for understanding the rise of populism and the radical right in the context of economic crises. It demonstrates that emotions borne of economic crises produce cultural discontent, which in turn fuels conflicts over values and identities. The book argues that states must fulfill their roles as providers of social insurance and channels for citizen voices if they are to reverse the tide of political discontent. By investing in education, healthcare, social mobility, and promoting dialogue and inclusivity, states can create a more equitable and prosperous society that is less susceptible to the rise of extremist movements.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 157 x 237 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009279390