The Politics of Fear

The Peculiar Persistence of American Paranoia

By Arthur Goldwag | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

From the author of Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies, a probing exploration of the bizarre and dangerous conspiracies that have roiled America over the past decade and captured the minds of so many Americans

Some of the conspiracy theories now gripping American politics contend that Joe Biden was executed and replaced by a clone and that John F. Kennedy Jr., faked his death and will one day return to slay Trump’s enemies. But who is susceptible to them, and what makes them so politically potent?

Investigating the historical roots of our peculiar brand of political paranoia, Arthur Goldwag helps us make sense of the senseless and, in so doing, uncovers three uncomfortable truths: that it is older than Trumpism and will outlast it; that theocratic authoritarianism is as hardwired in our American heritage as the principles of the Enlightenment; and that the fear that our system is “rigged” is not altogether unfounded. A probing, surprising, and critical examination of America’s paranoid style, The Politics of Fear sheds new light on the age-old question: What exactly are we so afraid of?

Editions of The Politics of Fear

Paperback
ISBN 9780593467060
EBook
ISBN 9780593467077
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593821978
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593821985

Read an Excerpt

From the author of Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies, a probing exploration of the bizarre and dangerous conspiracies that have roiled America over the past decade and captured the minds of so many Americans

Some of the conspiracy theories now gripping American politics contend that Joe Biden was executed and replaced by a clone and that John F. Kennedy Jr., faked his death and will one day return to slay Trump’s enemies. But who is susceptible to them, and what makes them so politically potent?

Investigating the historical roots of our peculiar brand of political paranoia, Arthur Goldwag helps us make sense of the senseless and, in so doing, uncovers three uncomfortable truths: that it is older than Trumpism and will outlast it; that theocratic authoritarianism is as hardwired in our American heritage as the principles of the Enlightenment; and that the fear that our system is “rigged” is not altogether unfounded. A probing, surprising, and critical examination of America’s paranoid style, The Politics of Fear sheds new light on the age-old question: What exactly are we so afraid of?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Politics of Fear about?

From the author of Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies, a probing exploration of the bizarre and dangerous conspiracies that have roiled America over the past decade and captured the minds of so many Americans

Some of the conspiracy theories now gripping American politics contend that Joe Biden was executed and replaced by a clone and that John F. Kennedy Jr., faked his death and will one day return to slay Trump’s enemies. But who is susceptible to them, and what makes them so politically potent?

Investigating the historical roots of our peculiar brand of political paranoia, Arthur Goldwag helps us make sense of the senseless and, in so doing, uncovers three uncomfortable truths: that it is older than Trumpism and will outlast it; that theocratic authoritarianism is as hardwired in our American heritage as the principles of the Enlightenment; and that the fear that our system is “rigged” is not altogether unfounded. A probing, surprising, and critical examination of America’s paranoid style, The Politics of Fear sheds new light on the age-old question: What exactly are we so afraid of?

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Politics of Fear?

Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Popular beliefs > Conspiracy theories

Where can I read a sample of The Politics of Fear?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780593467060

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Politics of Fear?

Arthur Goldwag

Who is the Publisher of the book The Politics of Fear?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Politics of Fear is available as paperback(ISBN 9780593467060) and ebook(ISBN 9780593467077) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593821978) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593821985)

Where can I buy The Politics of Fear online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The Politics of Fear?