Critical Theory and the Authoritarian Personality

Geoff M. Boucher

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English

Edinburgh University Press
13 May 2025

Political science & theory; Fascism & Nazism; Terrorism, armed struggle

The worldwide resurgence of authoritarianism has sparked renewed interest in the Frankfurt School theory of the authoritarian personality, not as a topic of academic debate but as an urgent political factor. Critical Theory and the Authoritarian Personality brings Theodor Adorno's critique up-to-date in light of new forms of authoritarian politics, recent kinds of authoritarian propaganda and current findings about authoritarian personalities.

Drawing on the work of Slavoj Zizek and the psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan, this is the first sustained application of psychoanalytic theory to the problem of the authoritarian personality since the classical work of the Frankfurt School. It explores a pressing problem-the resurgence of the radical Right-and proposes new solutions, grounded in the idea of an affective approach to authoritarian politics as something based on transgressive fantasies and political anxieties. Throughout, the book illustrates its theoretical claims with reference to new kinds of authoritarian literature, which today forms an important part of right-wing propaganda.

By: Geoff M. Boucher
Imprint: Edinburgh University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399519458
ISBN 10: 139951945X
Pages: 254
Publication Date: 13 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Geoff M Boucher is an Associate Professor in Literature and Writing at Deakin University.

Reviews for Critical Theory and the Authoritarian Personality

Given the renewed interest in Critical Theory and the authoritarian phenomena proliferating throughout the globe, this book is bound to attract a substantive readership. Its challenging combination of Adorno and Zizek will create much academic interest and could have a broader impact, especially appealing to those interested in far-right authoritarian literature, neo-nazi activism and the radical right.--Yannis Stavrakakis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki