Diagonalism in Online Populist Discourse
Left Moving Right
1st Edition
Published on 4. March 2026
212 pages
978-1-040-55953-6 (ISBN)
Description
In this incisive and timely book, David Block analyses populist discourse and homes in on 'diagonalism' - the subtle migration of left-wing commentators toward right-wing positions on pandemic policies, free speech and immigration. The text provides a vivid insight into today's fractured political arena, where progressive voices are increasingly aligning with far-right narratives.
In this post-truth world, we see how emotions trump facts and spectacle dominates substance. The attention economy has transformed political discourse into entertainment, with devastating consequences. More than just academic theory, this book is an urgent warning about how diagonalists provide cover for extremist ideologies while appearing moderate. By exclusively criticizing progressive positions, they unwittingly strengthen the far-right forces already dominating our online spaces.
Vital reading for scholars and students of political communication and essential for anyone concerned about the alarming transformation of public discourse in our digital age
In this post-truth world, we see how emotions trump facts and spectacle dominates substance. The attention economy has transformed political discourse into entertainment, with devastating consequences. More than just academic theory, this book is an urgent warning about how diagonalists provide cover for extremist ideologies while appearing moderate. By exclusively criticizing progressive positions, they unwittingly strengthen the far-right forces already dominating our online spaces.
Vital reading for scholars and students of political communication and essential for anyone concerned about the alarming transformation of public discourse in our digital age
Reviews / Votes
"In this fascinating study, David Block scrutinizes one of the most peculiar political phenomena of our time, diagonalism. Situating the latter within wider post-truth politics, Block's critical discourse analysis both highlights the degrading effects of diagonalism on public debate and issues a powerful warning. Highly recommended!"Bernhard Forchtner, Associate Professor, University of Leicester
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
4 Line drawings, black and white; 4 Illustrations, black and white
File size
3,29 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-55953-6 (9781040559536)
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
Book
approx. 03/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€64.80
Not yet published
Book
approx. 03/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€213.00
Not yet published
Person
David Block is Honorary Professor of Sociolinguistics at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. He is author of Innovations and Challenges in Identity Research (Routledge, 2022) and Interviews in Applied Linguistics: Autobiographical Reflections on Research Processes (Routledge, 2024)
Content
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Introduction: Diagonalism and this book
Chapter 2 The far-right
Chapter 3 Populism and related concepts
Chapter 4 A framework for the examination and analysis of far-right populist discourse
Chapter 5 The telling case of Russell Brand
Chapter 6 Further to diagonalism and well beyond
Index
Chapter 1 Introduction: Diagonalism and this book
Chapter 2 The far-right
Chapter 3 Populism and related concepts
Chapter 4 A framework for the examination and analysis of far-right populist discourse
Chapter 5 The telling case of Russell Brand
Chapter 6 Further to diagonalism and well beyond
Index
