Authoritarianism in All its Guises provides an interdisciplinary assessment of contemporary experiences of authoritarianism.

Drawing on psychoanalysis and critical theory, contributors from a range of academic backgrounds consider authoritarianism as it manifests in a range of movements and contexts. The chapters investigate, interrogate, and, in some cases, clash creatively and revealingly over the meanings of contemporary experiences of authoritarianism across the political spectrum. The issues raised here not only compel us to come to grips with and clarify what constitutes modern authoritarianism but also what defines the 'Left' in this stubbornly neoliberal age.

Authoritarianism in All its Guises will be essential reading for academics and students of psychoanalysis, political and social psychology, sociology, history, and media and cultural studies.

About the Author

Daniel Burston is Associate Professor and former chair (retired) of Duquesne University's psychology department. A historian of the mental health disciplines, he has authored several books and numerous journal articles on the history and politics of psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis.

Kurt Jacobsen is a Lecturer in Social Sciences and Faculty Associate in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago. He is author and editor of a dozen books and is co-editor of the UK journal Free Associations.

Reviews

"Over the last century psychoanalysis has provided the deepest, if still preliminary, insight we have into such forms of collective political madness, as racism, fascism and authoritarianism. Burston and Jacobsen have selected a range from among the best contemporary examples." - Eli Zaretsky, Professor of History at the New School for Social Research

"The culture wars refuse to go away and continue to damage free thought and emancipatory activity. We need to have resources to marshal a Left response that appreciates the nuances of contemporary reality. Authoritarianism in All its Guises offers one such resource: a lively, combative, multifaceted attack on authoritarianism as it appears on the Right and the Left, written in the interests of advancing progressive political solidarity. It will entertain, disturb and motivate in equal measure." - Stephen Frosh, Emeritus Professor in Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck, University of London

"This is truly a volume for our times, as the merchandising - and policing - of ideas threatens to overtake our ability to think through the complex problems facing us. A must-read for those who cherish thinking as a societal safeguard." - Marilyn Charles, The Austen Riggs Center

Book Information
ISBN 9781032485997
Author Daniel Burston
Format Paperback
Page Count 258
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd