Richard Seymour, author of 'Disaster Nationalism' and expert on the rise of the far right, unpacks the alarming trend of disaster nationalism. He discusses how social media fuels the spread of fascist ideologies, linking it to societal despair and isolation. The conversation dives deep into the psychological effects of far-right rhetoric, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in radicalizing disenchanted individuals. Seymour warns that modern political struggles are intertwined with personal crises, demanding urgent collective action against this perilous tide.
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insights INSIGHT
Disaster Nationalism vs. Fascism
Disaster nationalism spreads through social media and spectacle.
It differs from traditional fascism, exhibiting virality and celebrity.
insights INSIGHT
Roots of Fascism
Fascism percolates within the population as a series of potentials.
It's fueled by propaganda, personal disasters, and crises of liberal governance.
insights INSIGHT
The Red Pill and Existential Revenge
Disasters make people retreat into apathy or seek a 'red pill' solution.
This 'cure' involves blaming specific groups for their problems, leading to existential revenge.
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Buy 'Disaster Nationalism' from Verso Books: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3147-disaster-nationalism?srsltid=AfmBOopgAeJTt7Sq9b5zlzC_iKR5wKPHiFxddWihiDPy1iepY7AisWQa
The rise of the new far right has left the world grappling with a profound misunderstanding. While the spotlight often shines on the actions of charismatic leaders such as Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, the true peril lies elsewhere. Defeating these people will not stem the tide driving them forward. They are merely the embodiment of profound forces that are rarely understood. Propelled through the vast networks of social media and fueled by far-right influencers, enthralled by images of disaster and fantasies of doom, they have emerged from a reservoir of societal despair, fear, and isolation. Within this seething cauldron, we witness not only the surge of far-right political movements but also the sparks of individual and collective violence against perceived enemies, from ‘lone wolf’ killers to terrifying pogroms. Should a new fascism emerge, it will coalesce from these very elements. This is disaster nationalism.
Richard Seymour delves deep into this alarming development in world politics, dissecting its roots, its influencers, and the threats it poses. With meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, Seymour offers a stark warning. The battle against disaster nationalism is not just political; it is a struggle for our collective soul and the future of civilization itself. Unless we understand the deeper forces propelling the far-right resurgence, we have little chance of stopping it.
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