Description
In this major new work, Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey argue that this new freedom fighter is symptomatic of the rise of a new political current in western societies – what they call ‘libertarian authoritarianism’. The rise of libertarian authoritarianism is a consequence of the promise of freedom in late modernity: the individual is supposed to be mature, authentic and self-reliant. At the same time, the experience of many individuals is that of being powerless and without influence in the face of an increasingly complex world, an experience that manifests itself in resentment, anger and hostility towards democracy.
Drawing on numerous case studies, Amlinger and Nachtwey paint a vivid portrait of this new social figure of our time, showing how the unbridled pursuit of individual freedom can turn into authoritarian behaviour towards others, threatening the very basis of a free and equal society.
Book Information
ISBN 9781509560844
Author Carolin Amlinger
Format Hardback
Page Count 300
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd