Join Dr Aurelien Mondon, University of Bath, and Dr Aaron Winter, University of East London, as they launch their new book Reactionary Democracy: How racism and the populist far right became mainstream.
Book abstract
The resurgence of racism, populism and the far right is not the result of popular demands, it is the logical conclusion of manipulation by the elite of the working class to push reactionary ideas. These narratives portray racism as a popular demand, rather than as something encouraged and perpetuated by elites, exonerating those with the means to influence and control public discourse through the media in particular. This has legitimised the far right, strengthened its hand and compounded inequalities.
The book shows us that the far right would not have been able to achieve such success, either electorally or ideologically, were it not for the help of elite actors like the media, politicians and academics.
The book will be published on 5th May 2020. Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the for £10. A drinks reception will follow this book launch.
Speakers
Dr Aurelien Mondon is a Senior Lecturer in politics at the University of Bath. His research focuses predominantly on the impact of racism and populism on liberal democracies and the mainstreaming of far right politics through elite discourse.
Dr Aaron Winter is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at UEL. His research is on the far-right with a focus on racism, mainstreaming and violence.