The Populist Moment: The Left After the Great Recession

The last decade has seen a resurgence of left-wing and populist movements in the US and Western Europe, driven by extreme inequality, the collapse of civic life, and a lack of trust in traditional institutions. Despite defeats, left offensives will remain populist in nature for the foreseeable future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The last decade has seen a resurgence of the left in the United States and Western Europe, with a surge of anti-establishment candidates that were both left-wing and populist. While these movements often ran out of steam before gaining state power, many parties and figures associated with left populism have entered government, and others are still contesting high office. In this comprehensive book, Arthur Borriello and Anton Jäger provide a detailed history of the rise and defeat of this movement, exploring the conditions that shaped it. Extreme and rising inequality, the collapse of civic life, and a lack of trust in traditional institutions have all contributed to the rise of populism. Despite defeats, left offensives will likely remain populist in nature due to the ongoing crisis conditions.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of left populism, tracing its origins back to the 19th century and the rise of socialism and labor movements. It then explores the factors that contributed to the movement's resurgence in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. The authors argue that the rise of left populism was driven by a combination of economic insecurity, social inequality, and political disillusionment.

The book also delves into the political strategies and tactics used by left-populist movements. It highlights the importance of charismatic leaders, the use of social media and grassroots organizing, and the appeal to popular sovereignty and national identity. The authors also discuss the challenges faced by left-populist movements, including the difficulty of maintaining a coherent political agenda and the potential for extremism and polarization.

Despite its successes, left populism has also faced criticism and opposition from both the left and the right. Some critics argue that left-populist movements are too focused on economic inequality and neglect other social and political issues, while others argue that they are too authoritarian and threaten democratic values.

In conclusion, The Rise and Defeat of Left Populism is a valuable contribution to the study of political movements and ideologies. It provides a comprehensive history of the rise and defeat of left-populist movements, exploring the conditions that shaped them and the political strategies and tactics used by these movements. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the current political landscape and the challenges facing left-wing movements in the future.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804292488