Masochistic Nationalism: Multicultural Self-Hatred and the Infatuation with the Exotic - Paperback

by Göran Adamson (Author)

This book examines the nature of the conflict between right-wing populism and multiculturalism: the West's defining conflict in the modern age. Drawing on a plethora of evidence from politics and culture in the West, it argues that these two positions, while antagonistic on the surface, are in fact similar: nationalism and multiculturalism are two names for one idea, the difference between them being simply a matter of geography; both outlooks have their roots in romanticism, sentimentalism, arrogance and a racist outlook. Rather than defend either approach, this volume urges us to consider the importance of roots and argues for greater consideration of what classical liberalism, socialism and feminism can do to break this impasse in our political thinking, with a concern for equality and concern for solidarity, regardless of cultural practice. As such it will appeal to social and political theorists with interests in political sociology and culture.

Author Biography

Göran Adamson is Associate Professor in Sociology, with a PhD from the London School of Economics (LSE), and the author of Populist Parties and the Failure of the Elites: The Rise of the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) and The Trojan Horse: A Leftist Critique of Multiculturalism in the West.