On Populist Reason, Paperback

A philosophical and political exploration of the construction of popular identities

In this highly original and influential work, Ernesto Laclau focuses on the construction of popular identities and how "the people" emerge as a collective actor. Skilfully combining theoretical analysis with a myriad of empirical references from numerous historical and geographical contexts, he offers a critical reading of the existing literature on populism, demonstrating its dependency on the theorists of "mass psychology," such as Taine and Freud. On Populist Reason is essential reading for all those interested in the question of political identities in the present day.

About the Author:

Ernesto Laclau (1935-2014) was Professor of Political Theory in the Department of Government, University of Essex, and Distinguished Professor for Humanities and Rhetorical Studies at Northwestern University. He was the author of, amongst other works, Hegemony and Socialist Strategy (with Chantal Mouffe); New Reflections of the Revolution of Our Time; The Populist Reason; Contingency, Hegemony, Universality (with Judith Butler and Slavoj Zizek); and Emancipation(s).