The Radicality of Love

This book explores the intersection of love and revolutionary politics, questioning why radical figures often feared love's potential. The Radicality of Love offers insightful reflections on this theme.

What if we could traverse the revolutionary landscape of the 20th century, engaging its key figures—from Lenin to Che Guevara, and from Alexandra Kollontai to Ulrike Meinhof—with seemingly innocent inquiries about love? This thought-provoking exploration prompts us to consider how love has been intertwined with significant political and social transformations, yet often remains overshadowed by discussions of power and ideology.

In examining the historical context, The Radicality of Love delves into the sexual revolution sparked by the October Revolution and its subsequent repression. It highlights Che Guevara's struggle between his revolutionary ideals and personal relationships, as well as the tumultuous events of the 1968 movements, which encompassed everything from communes to acts of terrorism. Croatian philosopher Srecko Horvat poses the question of why figures like Lenin and Che were apprehensive about the radical implications of love, revealing the complexities surrounding a concept that is often perceived as conservative.

This concise yet impactful book serves as a timely commentary on contemporary global upheavals—from Tahrir Square to Occupy Wall Street—where discussions of love are surprisingly absent. By revisiting these historical narratives, The Radicality of Love invites readers to reconsider the profound significance of love in shaping revolutionary thought and action.