National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy

Roger Eatwell · Matthew Goodwin

Jan 2019 · Pelican · Narrated by Matthew Goodwin

About this audiobook

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy, A Pelican Book, written by Roger Eatwell and Matthew Goodwin and read by Matthew Goodwin.

A crucial new guide to one of the most urgent political phenomena of our time: the rise of national populism

Across the West, there is a rising tide of people who feel excluded, alienated from mainstream politics, and increasingly hostile towards minorities, immigrants and neo-liberal economics. Many of these voters are turning to national populist movements, which have begun to change the face of Western liberal democracy, from the United States to France, Austria to the UK.

This radical turn, we are told, is a last howl of rage from an aging electorate on the verge of extinction. Their leaders are fascistic and their politics anti-democratic; their existence a side-show to liberal democracy. But this version of events, as Roger Eatwell and Matthew Goodwin show, could not be further from the truth.

Written by two of the foremost experts on fascism and the rise of national populism, this lucid and deeply-researched book is a vital guide to our transformed political landscape. Challenging conventional wisdoms, Eatwell and Goodwin make a compelling case for serious, respectful engagement with the supporters and ideas of national populism - not least because it is a tide that won't be stemmed anytime soon.

Ratings and reviews

Extremely disappointing. The authors seek to reframe government by educated people as elitist; racism as legitimate 'nativism'; resistance to diversity and "political correctness" as a legitimate political concern rather than illegitimate anger at a loss of the power to oppress; and ultimately, a fundamentally undemocratic movement - populists explicitly seek to exclude voters that do not agree with their view of the world ("the will of the people") - as 'true' democracy. The book is an attempt to justify Trump, Orban, Putin, Farage and others who are seeking to override individual rights "on behalf of the(ir) people."

About the author

Matthew J. Goodwin is Professor of Politics at the University of Kent. The author of four books, including the Sunday Times bestseller National Populism, he appears regularly in print and broadcast media including the Sunday Times and the BBC. Goodwin has advised more than 200 organisations on political issues. He lives in London.