Red Pill Politics — A Conversation with David Ost on the Global Far Right

A conversation with political scientist David Ost about his new book “Red Pill Politics: Demystifying Today’s Far Right”
About this Event

Please join e and Nighthawk for a conversation with David Ost about his new book “Red Pill Politics: Demystifying Today’s Far Right,” moderated by New Lines Politics Editor Danny Postel.

About the book

Around the globe, far-right political parties and movements are on the march, stoking fears of the revival of fascism. What to make of this dangerous drift?

In his masterly examination of far-right politics past and present, political scientist David Ost argues that in order to resist its revival, we must understand its often broad appeal, particularly to non-elites who have traditionally aligned with the Left. Ost shows that equating fascism only with violence and mass repression misses its distinctive populist elements, and thus keeps us from recognizing the dangers of a contemporary Right that, for now, downplays its repressive dimensions.

Drawing on a wide range of contemporary and historical examples, Ost argues that both classic fascism and today’s right-wing populism should be seen as different versions of what he calls “red pill politics.” Both promote authoritarian politics, intolerance, xenophobic outrage and rigid gender roles. Yet they win support by speaking for the dissatisfied with anti-elitist rhetoric, while underemphasizing their repressive policies. They have their best chance of winning when the Left is failing.

“Red Pill Politics” draws on meticulous historical research and deep familiarity with current global developments to present a startlingly original analysis that helps us understand and challenge today’s most pressing political threat.

About the author

David Ost is emeritus professor of politics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. His previous books include “Solidarity and the Politics of Anti-Politics” (1990), “Workers after Workers’ States” (2001) and “The Defeat of Solidarity: Anger and Politics in Postcommunist Europe” (2005). His articles have appeared in magazines such as The Nation and Dissent. He has done research in Polish factories, taught at European universities and worked as a New York City taxi driver.

This event is part of the series Juxtapositions: Conversations on Art, Ideas and Global Cross-Currents, a co-production of and Nighthawk. It is free of charge and open to the public.