Radicals in Conversation Radical Friendship: Reimagining the World and Fighting the Far Right
Sep 18, 2025
Laura C. Forster, a researcher focused on social movements, and Joel White, an anthropologist and organizer, dive into the revolutionary potential of friendship. They explore how personal connections fuel political activism, from early organizing efforts to the concept of 'hevalti' in Kurdish culture. The duo critiques traditional views of friendship, linking it to social reproduction and solidarity in the face of repression. They also discuss the relationship between friendship and far-right movements, questioning if it serves as a sustaining force for them as well.
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Friendship As Political Force
- Friendship is an under-theorized political force that sustains movements beyond ideology.
- Laura Forster and Joel White argue friendship bridges private/public and local/global political life.
Book Born From A Friend In Common
- Joel and Laura met through a mutual friend and became collaborators while researching friendship.
- Their friendship formed the basis of writing the book and shaped its interdisciplinary approach.
Friendship Drives Political Recruitment
- Many people enter politics through friendship rather than formal party membership.
- The authors say this social route deserves analytic attention rather than dismissal.
