Far-Right Newspeak and the Future of Liberal Democracy

“This volume tackles an incredibly important issue that has been so far understudied: the way far-right movements appropriate the language of liberalism. The authors offer us a series of vivid examples of how the semantics of freedom and rights can be instrumentalized by forces promoting exclusionary policies. They also invite us to question the loss of meaning associated with illiberal Newspeak. A must-read for everyone interested in understanding the challenges of liberalism today.”

Marlene Laruelle, Director, Illiberalism Studies Program, The George Washington University, USA; Editor, Illiberalism.org

“It is easy to assume that the language of freedom, equality, individual and collective rights, and pluralism belongs inextricably to liberal and leftist egalitarians. This assumption has been very much put in question by the strategic rhetoric deployed by a range of right-wing (including radical-right) theoreticians and political actors in many different societies today. The aim of this instructive and important book by A. James McAdams and Samuel Piccolo, and their collaborators, is to warn us of the serious perils we face when concepts intended to promote progress, enlightenment, and justice are hijacked in order to serve opposing ideological purposes.”

Ronald Beiner, author of Dangerous Minds: Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the Return of the Far Right

"One of the biggest questions of our time is how democracies globally will be challenged by the rise of conservative nationalists who are savvy with communications and messaging. After covering the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, I am highly aware of the power of words to influence voters. This book provides a vivid roadmap for understanding these forces, taking readers far beyond the headlines and delving into analysis and research that offers important perspectives."

Robert Costa, CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent; co-author of the # 1 New York Times bestseller Peril

“This fascinating volume traces how far-right politicians, intellectuals, and opinion-makers use the language of democracy to hollow out basic liberal principles and institutions—and how this form of Newspeak can divide societies in the name of protecting them. The chapters are provocative, controversial, and always engaging. Importantly, the authors analyze the concept of the ‘far-right’ itself, and assess its boundaries and analytical utility. An invaluable guide for all scholars and supporters of liberal democracy.”

Anna Grzymala-Busse, Michelle and Kevin Douglas Professor of International Studies, Stanford University, USA

Podcast features:

International Horizons, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies: https://newbooksnetwork.com/james-mcadams

Illiberalism Studies Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXurE2lOQKs