Democracy Strikes Back

“Positioned at the forefront of extremism studies, this book asks tough questions about why extremism continues to spin out of control despite our best efforts to prevent and counter it. Based on a wealth of empirical evidence and sophisticated arguments, it provides a long overdue correction to the idea that extremism is simply promoted by a few ‘bad apples’ on the fringes, somehow separate to a righteous mainstream. Drawing on these insights, this landmark book sets out an innovative and practical agenda for addressing extremism based on a whole-of-society strategy focused on the rejuvenation of basic democratic principles and civic culture, and reengaging marginalised groups.” - Professor Mark Davis, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne, Australia This book draws on empirical research from North America, Europe and Australia to present a nuanced picture of the far right and analyses micro and macro level factors contributing to the appeal of far-right groups and agendas. It argues that a key reason for the unsatisfying progress in the struggle against the far right lies in the popular misconception that the far right operates primarily on the margins of society and the failure to acknowledge the close historical and contemporary links between far-right ideologies and the societal centre. Against this backdrop, the book develops a holistic, comprehensive agenda – outside the common Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) frameworks – to reduce the appeal of the far right. This agenda addresses individual, community and structural factors to reduce susceptibility to the lure of the far right by strengthening commitment to democratic values, active citizenship, and community connectedness. Mario Peucker is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities at Victoria University (Melbourne). He has over 20 years’ experience in qualitative and quantitative research on dissent and citizenship, inclusion-exclusion dynamics and radical political movements, both in Europe and Australia. Mario has published five books, including the first academic volume on the contemporary far right in Australia (2019, Palgrave, co-edited with Debra Smith).