The Perils of Populism (The Feminist Bookshelf: Ideas for the 21st Century)

From Donald Trump in the U.S. to Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Narendra Modi in India, right-wing populist leaders have taken power in many parts of the world. While each country’s populist movement is distinct, they are united by several key features, including the presence of a boastful strongman leader and the scapegoating of vulnerable populations, especially immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ people, and women. The Perils of Populism shows how a feminist lens can help diagnose the factors behind the global rise of right-wing populism and teach us how to resist the threat it presents to democracy. Featuring interdisciplinary essays about politics in the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and India from a variety of acclaimed theorists and activists, the volume contributes to a rapidly expanding literature on gender and the far right. Together, these chapters offer a truly intersectional analysis of the problem, addressing everything from how populism has thrived in a “post-truth” era to the ways it appeals to working-class voters looking for an alternative to neoliberalism. Yet the authors also find reasons to be hopeful, as they showcase forms of grassroots feminist activism that challenge right-wing populism by advocating for racial and economic justice. "Contemporary right-wing populist movements have propelled authoritarian leaders into power, championed reactionary forms of nationalism as solutions to economic and social crisis, and scapegoated vulnerable populations, leading to violence, harassment, and hate speech directed against immigrants, people of color, Muslims, Jews, LGBT people and other marginalized communities. The Perils of Populism gathers the writing of leading theorists and activists to explore how a feminist lens can help diagnose the global rise of populism and resist threats to democracy. It reflects on the roots of the current political crisis, shows how feminist and queer activists are challenging reactionary populism, and explores feminist visions of a more just, democratic future. Featuring interdisciplinary essays on the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and India, the volume contributes to a rapidly expanding literature on gender and the far right"-- Provided by publisher