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A review by torvosaur
The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Donald Trump by Corey Robin
5.0
This book was a phenomenal read, and after having a chance to leaf through the older edition, I can definitely say that the 2nd edition vastly improves upon the first.
The primary thesis of the book - that conservatism stems as a reaction to emancipatory movements, to protect hierarchy and speaks primarily to those who have experienced power or privilege and lost it - is argued very persuasively by the author. The first three chapters were really helpful in understanding the real sense of loss/victimhood that conservatives feel, and the affinity for war too. The ideological underpinnings of reactionary movements were explained very well. The chapter on Hayek and neoliberalism as well as Trump's rise were very prescient and informative - especially Trump's (relative) inefficacy despite the Republican hold over all the branches of the government. This book is definitely a must read to understand what philosophy consciously or unconsciously guides the conservative mind.
While that stands, I think the author simplifies the right a little too much, in so much as the lines between conservatism and fascism are not adequately explored. It sometimes feels like the author is cherry-picking statements to draw a coherent narrative, although admittedly I haven't read most of the conservatives that he speaks of, maybe I'll need to check myself for confirmation bias before doing that.
But it was a crisp and enjoyable read, and I have gained a lot of perspective about the psyche that conservatism speaks to. I hope there are works like these on liberals/socialists too, that'd make for interesting reading.
I will definitely return to this book after reading some of the conservatives mentioned in here, for a better understanding of the author's conclusion, but this all-in-all a very enjoyable read.
The primary thesis of the book - that conservatism stems as a reaction to emancipatory movements, to protect hierarchy and speaks primarily to those who have experienced power or privilege and lost it - is argued very persuasively by the author. The first three chapters were really helpful in understanding the real sense of loss/victimhood that conservatives feel, and the affinity for war too. The ideological underpinnings of reactionary movements were explained very well. The chapter on Hayek and neoliberalism as well as Trump's rise were very prescient and informative - especially Trump's (relative) inefficacy despite the Republican hold over all the branches of the government. This book is definitely a must read to understand what philosophy consciously or unconsciously guides the conservative mind.
While that stands, I think the author simplifies the right a little too much, in so much as the lines between conservatism and fascism are not adequately explored. It sometimes feels like the author is cherry-picking statements to draw a coherent narrative, although admittedly I haven't read most of the conservatives that he speaks of, maybe I'll need to check myself for confirmation bias before doing that.
But it was a crisp and enjoyable read, and I have gained a lot of perspective about the psyche that conservatism speaks to. I hope there are works like these on liberals/socialists too, that'd make for interesting reading.
I will definitely return to this book after reading some of the conservatives mentioned in here, for a better understanding of the author's conclusion, but this all-in-all a very enjoyable read.