In Defence of Populism
1st Edition
Published on 22. May 2026
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-5095-7167-3 (ISBN)
Description
'Populist' is now most commonly used as a term of abuse. Populists, we are repeatedly told, are xenophobic ignoramuses offering irrational, emotive solutions to complex problems. But is this true?
Frank Furedi argues that this is a self-serving narrative that owes more to the desire of elites to protect their own power and interests than it does to the truth. The widespread disdain expressed towards populism in the media and by many academics is in fact poorly concealed contempt towards the idea of popular sovereignty and democratic decision-making. Populism is not equivalent to any specific ideology, as populist politicians vary greatly in their substantive views, but it is rather a broad disposition towards public life that stresses the value of giving the ordinary citizen a genuine voice in political decision-making. Attacks on 'populism' most commonly reveal the desire of those who run our institutions to keep real authority in the hands of unaccountable elites who veil their power under the guise of 'expertise'.
This bracing defence of basic democratic values by one of our most fearless polemicists should be read by anyone who mistakes the complacent assurances of our elite for the wisdom of our betters.
Frank Furedi argues that this is a self-serving narrative that owes more to the desire of elites to protect their own power and interests than it does to the truth. The widespread disdain expressed towards populism in the media and by many academics is in fact poorly concealed contempt towards the idea of popular sovereignty and democratic decision-making. Populism is not equivalent to any specific ideology, as populist politicians vary greatly in their substantive views, but it is rather a broad disposition towards public life that stresses the value of giving the ordinary citizen a genuine voice in political decision-making. Attacks on 'populism' most commonly reveal the desire of those who run our institutions to keep real authority in the hands of unaccountable elites who veil their power under the guise of 'expertise'.
This bracing defence of basic democratic values by one of our most fearless polemicists should be read by anyone who mistakes the complacent assurances of our elite for the wisdom of our betters.
Reviews / Votes
"Frank Furedi has provided the best guide to date on the contemporary rise of populism. Unlike most, he is largely sympathetic and turns much needed fire on the cultural, economic and political elites whose arrogance and class prejudice ironically have been critical to sparking the current populist rebellion. This book provides ample evidence."Joel Kotkin, Chapman University and author of The Coming of Neo-Feudalism
"Frank Furedi is essential reading for anybody who is serious about making sense of the so-called 'culture wars' in the West today. Consistently ahead of the curve and unafraid to challenge lazy assumptions, he is the real expert on contemporary political culture."
Matthew Goodwin, author of Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics
"Furedi unflinchingly exposes left-liberal elites' moral panic over the rise of national populism. The cultural progressive actors who dominate elite institutions are aghast at the masses' resistance to their project of empowering supranational and unelected bodies. In Defence of Populism castigates self-righteous progressive elites who prefer to punish wrongthink rather than engage in democratic debate."
Eric Kaufmann, author of Whiteshift and Taboo
"Furedi has done it again. One of our era's most penetrating interpreters of culture and European politics alive today, he dissects the moral panic around populism to disclose its true sources: the democratic impulse for solidarity, the yearning for cultural security, and the defiant reclamation by ordinary men and women of their right to be heard. Buy, beg, borrow or steal your way to get a copy of this vital book."
James Orr, University of Cambridge
"Frank Furedi has written a searing defence of populism. Against the fearmongering of a panicked establishment, Furedi both explains the populist moment and outlines its positive, world-changing qualities. With crystal moral clarity, he encourages the reader to think afresh about the promise of our era. Essential reading."
Brendan O'Neill, journalist at Spiked
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 147 mm
Width: 225 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
458 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5095-7167-3 (9781509571673)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Frank Furedi, author and social commentator, is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent. Author of more than 26 books, Furedi's studies have been devoted to an exploration of the cultural developments in Western societies. His most recent book, The War on the Past (Polity, 2024), was a lively attack on attempts by progressives to render our historical inheritance toxic.
His research has been oriented towards the way that risk and uncertainty are managed by contemporary culture. His two influential books, The Culture of Fear and Paranoid Parenting, investigated the interaction between risk consciousness and perceptions of fear, trust relations and social capital in contemporary society.
His research has been oriented towards the way that risk and uncertainty are managed by contemporary culture. His two influential books, The Culture of Fear and Paranoid Parenting, investigated the interaction between risk consciousness and perceptions of fear, trust relations and social capital in contemporary society.
Content
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction: A Spectre Haunting...
Chapter 2: A teleology of evil
Chapter 3: Populism vs Anti-populism
Chapter 4: The quest for home
Chapter 5: Populism's Defence of the Pre-political Sphere
Chapter 6: A Response to the Condition of Cultural Insecurity
Chapter 7: Championing cultural continuity
Chapter 8: Giving people a voice: giving meaning to democracy
Chapter 9: Conclusion: Taking Control
Chapter 1: Introduction: A Spectre Haunting...
Chapter 2: A teleology of evil
Chapter 3: Populism vs Anti-populism
Chapter 4: The quest for home
Chapter 5: Populism's Defence of the Pre-political Sphere
Chapter 6: A Response to the Condition of Cultural Insecurity
Chapter 7: Championing cultural continuity
Chapter 8: Giving people a voice: giving meaning to democracy
Chapter 9: Conclusion: Taking Control