Aspects of the New Right-Wing Extremism

On 6 April 1967, at the invitation of the Socialist Students of Austria at the University of Vienna, Theodor W. Adorno gave a lecture which is not merely of historical interest. 

Against the background of the rise of the National Democratic Party of Germany, which had enjoyed remarkable electoral success in the first two years after its formation in November 1964, Adorno analysed the goals, resources and tactics of the new right-wing nationalism of this time. Contrasting it with the ‘old’ fascism of the Nazis, Adorno gave particular attention to the ways in which far-right movements elicited enthusiastic support in sections of the West German population, 20 years after the war had ended.   

Much has changed since then, but some elements have remained the same or resurfaced in new forms, 50 years later. Adorno’s penetrating analysis of the sources of right-wing radicalism is as relevant today as it was five decades ago. It is a prescient message to future generations who find themselves embroiled once again in a struggle against a resurgent nationalism and right-wing extremism.

Theodor W. Adorno (1903-1969), a prominent member of the Frankfurt School, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century in the areas of social theory, philosophy and aesthetics.

ISBN: 9781509541454
Format: Paperback
Pages: 100
Publisher: Polity Press, Polity Press
Published: June 29, 2020

"When Adorno speaks to us from beyond the grave on right-wing extremism, we should all listen."
Cas Mudde, University of Georgia

"Fifty years on, Theodor Adorno’s warnings of populist demagoguery remain all too relevant"
Financial Times

"Delivered as a lecture to a meeting of the Socialist Students of Austria, Aspects of the New Right-Wing Extremism provides one of the clearer views on the subject by the composer of notoriously recondite texts."
TheBattleground.eu

"[Adorno’s] 1967 lecture on the new right-wing extremism deftly encapsulates his general view that fascism was never really defeated but resides in the everyday facets of both social structure and personal conduct and must always be combated anew."
The Nation