Populism, Fundamentalism, and Identity

Download or read book Populism, Fundamentalism, and Identity written by Peter Herriot and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-04-08 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What can populism and fundamentalism possibly have in common? Peter Herriot argues that contrary to their apparent differences, these human phenomena are similar in two basic respects. First, they are both reactions against the complexities of the modern world in general, and its current crisis in particular. They propose instead a return to a mythical golden age, supposedly marked by purity and simplicity. Second, they both work in the same way psychologically. Using social identity theory, Herriot shows how both populism and fundamentalism create constant conflict by contrasting a virtuous ‘Us’ with a stereotypically evil ‘Them’. Contemporary case studies illustrate this process at work, and Herriot raises various issues as a basis for discussion, and concludes with hope.