The New Antisemitism
The Resurgence of an Ancient Hatred in the Modern World
Format:Hardback
Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Published:14th Jun '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This book examines the resurgence of antisemitism in the context of economic globalization and the erosion of democracy, highlighting its deep roots in Western and Middle Eastern cultures and advocating for progressive solutions.
In The New Antisemitism, Shalom Lappin examines the resurgence of antisemitism in the contemporary world, particularly in the wake of the stability and prosperity experienced by generations after World War II. He notes that recent decades have revealed a troubling return of instability and extremism, with antisemitism emerging across the political spectrum. Lappin emphasizes that recent developments in the Middle East have intensified this issue, likening it to a tidal wave of anti-Jewish sentiment.
Lappin delves into the relationship between economic globalization and the revival of antisemitic ideologies that many believed were relegated to history. He contextualizes this resurgence within the broader framework of anti-globalist movements that threaten democracy and social cohesion worldwide. By tracing the historical roots of antisemitism, Lappin argues that these prejudices have become deeply ingrained in both Western and Middle Eastern cultures, allowing hostility toward Jews to transcend political affiliations in a manner that is distinct from other forms of racism.
Ultimately, Lappin advocates for a new progressive political approach to combat antisemitism effectively. He contends that addressing the root causes of this hatred is essential for fostering a more inclusive society. The New Antisemitism serves as an important resource for those concerned about the social issues arising from current economic and political challenges, highlighting the need for awareness and action in the face of rising intolerance.
"This fine book has found its terrible moment. Shalom Lappin helps us to recognize, understand and fight against the menace of antisemitism."
Michael Walzer, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University
"A deep and thoughtful analysis of a pernicious phenomenon that has made a tragic reappearance in intellectual life."
Steven Pinker, Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of Rationality
"The New Antisemitism is beautifully written and theoretically brilliant. Lappin addresses the toxic, intimate relationship between antisemitism and global inequality, and analyses the pernicious, parallel role of the left and the right in fostering antisemitism worldwide. Unfortunately, I can’t think of a more timely book."
Susie Linfield, Professor of Journalism at New York University and author of The Lions’ Den: Zionism and the Left from Hannah Arendt to Noam Chomsky
"Much writing on contemporary antisemitism is limited by treating it as a free-floating discourse, by engaging only one expression of it - left, right or religious – and by despairing about the prospect of defeating it. Lappin’s book offers us a critical and global political economy of contemporary antisemitism, a historically grounded account of its spread across the left and right, and a course set on hope: a new progressive politics that, by leaning into class, focusing on socializing globalization, and stimulating new social solidarities, can tear antisemitism up by the roots."
Alan Johnson, editor of Mapping Left Antisemitism: The Fathom Essays
“An evenhanded examination of how the ‘massive instability unleashed by decades of intensifying economic inequality’ has exacerbated forces of age-old antisemitism. … A well-reasoned, coolheaded argument that could be used fruitfully in current roiling debates.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Offers a superb primer of antisemitism’s past and a sharp analysis of its present state… It is a remarkable book... A marvelously clear and cogent analysis of contemporary antisemitism.”
The Forward
“enlightening and clearly argued […] This book will be highly informative for anyone seeking to understand this most persistent of ancient hatreds.”
Church Times
“[An] ambitious book … [T]his book can be seen as a kind of ‘Guide for the Perplexed’ for liberal Jews in the West, especially the younger generation, who are bewildered by the difficult times they find themselves in and are seeking guidance on how to understand and cope with the situation. … Lappin warns against an overly mystical interpretation of the conflict, advises against cooperation with both the far right and the far left, and … outlines in the final chapter what can be done.”
Yossi Kugler, Jewish Culture and History
ISBN: 9781509558568
Dimensions: 218mm x 145mm x 31mm
Weight: 454g
256 pages