Daniel Drache

Has Populism Won?, by Daniel Drache and Marc D Froese, is a comprehensive study of contemporary populism and the prospects for the future.

Between their own research and many other sources, Drache and Froese offer a detailed explanation for how and why the current rash of nationalist populism(s) has formed and been so successful. They don't pretend that the grievances of many of the rank and file are illegitimate but rather that those grievances are being exploited by individuals and groups show more who have little to no genuine sympathy or empathy for the masses.

A little aside, I have an easy way to know that a book hits close to home for the right-wing fanatics. There is a reviewer who makes sure not to use their name and claims to be an educator. That claim is highly doubtful if you look at all of the 1-star reviews that make demonstrably false statements about each book. There are some books that argue from the left or center but are mostly preaching to the choir. But the ones that make a well-substantiated argument that would convince many rational thinkers to reconsider their position are the ones this fake academic chooses to target.

For the record, the bulk of the sources cited are academic or well-researched popular works. The academic books generally offer some of the framework for making connections between places and situations, while the popular works are often in-depth looks at specific circumstances. To this mix Drache and Froese offer their analyses based on years of study and experience. But don't take my word, read it for yourself. If you want to disagree at least disagree with the actual facts presented, not some juvenile false misdirection.

The book does not paint a pretty picture, for anyone. Things have gone very wrong and there is no group that has been involved in governing that can claim absolutely no responsibility at all. The issue is how we make things better and whether we can do so before the current flood of right-wing nationalism turns the world back into one of feudal kingdoms but with bigger weapons. The right is counting on hate to win, we must counter that insanity.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. show less

From: Publisher

A new era of Canada–U.S. relations has been ushered in by American reactionary security measures along the Canadian–U.S. border, and this examination of the strategic importance of the border argues that a new policy model and social theory is needed to grasp the complex, multidimensional changes. Racial profiling and other intrusive security measures conducted by the United States have been of great concern to Canadians as these policies affect internal issues such as show more transfer payments, trade union representation, and immigration and public policy. This analysis argues that in order to maintain a multicultural society that grants refugee status and protects the rights of Canadians, the Canadian government must reposition itself in North America.

http://www.ipgbook.com/showbook.cfm?bookid=1552661237&userid=B15DE98F-803F-2... show less