New Books in World Affairs Elisabeth Åsbrink, "1947: Where Now Begins" (Other Press, 2019)
Jul 1, 2025
Elisabeth Åsbrink, an award-winning author and journalist, delves into the pivotal events of 1947 that shaped the modern world. She connects historical moments like the establishment of Israel and the rise of new feminist movements to personal narratives, notably her father's Holocaust experiences. Åsbrink discusses the complexities of the Nuremberg Trials and their implications for justice, alongside the emerging dynamics of jihadism and fascism. Her reflections emphasize how these historical threads remain relevant today, intertwining personal and collective identities.
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1947: A Pivotal Year
- The year 1947 is pivotal, marking a foundational shift in global politics, culture, and morality post-WWII.
- Many modern phenomena like new feminism and jihadism trace their roots to this transitional year.
Cultural Shifts in 1947
- 1947 saw shifts in cultural and political landscapes including the founding of Israel and the birth of modern feminism inspired by Simone de Beauvoir's American trip.
- Christian Dior's 'New Look' symbolized societal shifts pushing women back into domestic roles after WWII empowerment.
Postwar Fascism's Evolution
- Post-WWII fascism resurged in new forms, notably through Per Engdahl's network based in neutral Sweden.
- Nazis adapted language from racial to cultural incompatibility, a root of modern extremist ideology.
