The Far-Right, Education and Violence: An Educational Philosophy and Theory Reader Volume IX

The far-right has become a major political force in the West, associated with white nationalism, identitarian politics, and nativist ideologies. This shift has rolled back the liberal internationalism that developed after WWI and shaped world institutions, globalization, and neoliberalism. Its historical origins date from the rise of fascism in Italy, Germany, and Austria in the 1920s. This edited collection of essays by Michael A Peters and Tina Besley provides a philosophical discussion of the rise of the far-right and its implications for understanding the return of fascism, white supremacism, acts of terrorism, and related events.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The far-right, characterized by its association with white nationalism, identitarian politics, and nativist ideologies, has emerged as a significant political force in the West over the past decade. This political movement has witnessed substantial electoral gains across Europe, the United States, and Latin America, and has even found alignment with the populist movements of figures such as Trump, Brexit, and Boris Johnson's 2019 election in the United Kingdom. This shift in political dynamics represents a significant new force in the West that has challenged and rolled back the liberal internationalism that emerged after World War I and shaped world institutions, globalization, and neoliberalism. It has also exerted a profound impact on the democracies of the West.

The historical roots of the far-right can be traced back to the rise of fascism in Italy, Germany, and Austria during the 1920s. In broad philosophical terms, the movement can be understood as a reaction against the rationalism and individualism prevalent in liberal democratic societies. It is a political revolt fueled by the philosophies of figures like Nietzsche, Darwin, and Bergson, which embraced irrationalism, subjectivism, and vitalism.

This edited collection of essays, curated by Michael A. Peters and Tina Besley, originally published in the journal Educational Philosophy and Theory, offers a philosophical exploration of the rise of the far-right. It serves as a valuable platform for understanding the resurgence of fascism, white supremacism, acts of terrorism, and related phenomena, including the refugee crisis, the rise of authoritarian populism, the crisis of international education, and Trump's portrayal of "the end of globalism."

The essays in this collection delve into various aspects of the far-right's emergence and impact. They examine the historical roots of the movement, its ideological foundations, and the social, political, and cultural factors that have contributed to its growth. The authors also explore the consequences of the far-right's rise, including the erosion of democratic values, the marginalization of minority groups, and the threat to international stability.

One of the key themes explored in the essays is the relationship between the far-right and the populist movements. The authors argue that the far-right has capitalized on the growing dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and the perceived failure of established institutions to address the concerns of ordinary people. They note that the populist rhetoric of the far-right often appeals to nostalgia, fear, and a sense of identity crisis, which can be particularly effective in mobilizing support among marginalized communities.

Another important theme is the role of education in shaping political ideologies and attitudes. The authors argue that the far-right has been able to exploit the gaps in education systems, particularly in terms of promoting critical thinking and promoting diversity and inclusion. They suggest that educators and policymakers need to be more proactive in addressing these issues and promoting a more inclusive and democratic education system.

The essays also address the challenges posed by the far-right to international education. The authors argue that the rise of the far-right has led to a decline in international cooperation and a rise in nationalism and isolationism. They suggest that international education programs need to be more inclusive and promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue to counter the influence of the far-right.

Finally, the essays in this collection offer insights into the political strategies employed by the far-right to gain and maintain power. The authors argue that the far-right has been successful in exploiting social media and other digital platforms to spread its message and mobilize support. They suggest that policymakers and social media companies need to work together to address these challenges and promote a more inclusive and democratic online environment.

In conclusion, the rise of the far-right has been a significant political development in the West over the past decade. This edited collection of essays provides a philosophical exploration of the movement's origins, ideological foundations, and consequences. It highlights the relationship between the far-right and the populist movements, the role of education in shaping political ideologies, the challenges posed by the far-right to international education, and the political strategies employed by the far-right to gain and maintain power. By understanding the far-right's rise and impact, we can better equip ourselves to address these challenges and promote a more inclusive and democratic society.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367562021