War for Eternity
The Return of Traditionalism and the Rise of the Populist Right
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:4th Feb '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the rise of Traditionalism, a philosophical movement influencing today's populist leaders, including figures like Steve Bannon.
In War for Eternity, ethnographer Benjamin Teitelbaum delves into the obscure philosophical movement known as Traditionalism, which has gained traction among influential figures on the global populist right. This movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, stands in stark opposition to modernity and Enlightenment ideals, promoting a worldview that celebrates hierarchy and dismisses the notion of progress. Through meticulous research and immersive fieldwork, Teitelbaum uncovers how Traditionalist thinkers view liberal secularism, capitalism, and communism as aligned threats to societal norms, a perspective that has found resonance in contemporary politics.
Teitelbaum's investigation takes him into the inner workings of this fascinating yet troubling ideology, revealing the connections between prominent figures like Steve Bannon in the United States, Aleksandr Dugin in Russia, and Olavo de Carvalho in Brazil. Each of these individuals has risen to power, drawing on the teachings of Traditionalism to shape their political agendas. The book offers exclusive interviews and a rich historical context, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how these ideas have permeated modern political discourse.
War for Eternity is not just an academic exploration; it is a gripping narrative that highlights the urgency of understanding the radical philosophies that influence today's political landscape. As Teitelbaum exposes the hidden currents driving the Far Right, he invites readers to reflect on the implications of this ideological resurgence for the future of democracy and society at large.
Insightful and immersive. . . Teitelbaum argues that Bannon's rise, alongside counterparts in countries such as Brazil and Russia, can be traced to an obscure intellectual current that you have never heard of. . . If you are interested in exploring the intellectual traditions that underpin today's populist revolt, this is a useful place to start -- Mathew Goodwin * The Sunday Times *
Timely, insightful and often troubling. . . War for Eternity is predominantly an attempt to understand the ideology of Bannon and other important alt-right figures. . . Teitelbaum enjoys remarkable access to them and uses his background research into the contemporary far right to fill in the gaps, draw connections and explain the bigger picture -- Kieran Pender * Literary Review *
A fascinating book ... informed, engaging and insightful
* Irish Times *This is a most alarming book, with a terrible, pertinent relevance...a book to make us tremble...Given the complexity of the subject, it is surprisingly easy to read -- Julia Langdon * The Tablet *
Very, very interesting indeed
-- Freddy Gray * The Spectator *A must read -- Halli Casser-Jayne
A major new book on contemporary Traditionalism...based on thorough research...required reading -- Mark Sedgwick
All politics are now internationalized, and it is impossible to understand one country's internal dynamics without that recognition. In his new book, Benjamin Teitelbaum's examination of three critical figures shaping the global right in three vital countries -- the U.S., Russia and Brazil -- is such an indispensable text not only for understanding those nations but also some of the most profound and tumultuous political shifts defining societies on every continent -- Glen Greenwald
ISBN: 9780141992037
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 20mm
Weight: 248g
336 pages