- Summary
- "Less than a century old, the concept of totalitarianism is one of the most controversial in political theory, with some proposing to abandon it altogether. In this accessible, wide-ranging introduction, David Roberts addresses the grounds for skepticism and shows that appropriately recast as an aspiration and direction, rather than a system of domination, totalitarianism is essential for understanding the modern political universe. Surveying the career of the concept from the 1920s to today, Roberts shows how it might better be applied to the three "classic" regimes of Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the Stalinist Soviet Union. Extending totalitarianism's reach into the twenty-first century, he then examines how Communist China, Vladimir Putin's Russia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), and the threat of the technological "surveillance state" can be conceptualized in the totalitarian tradition. Roberts shows that although the term has come to have overwhelmingly negative connotations, some have enthusiastically pursued a totalitarian direction and not simply for power, control, or domination. In deepening our understanding of its appeal, this book can serve our ongoing effort to prevent or minimize totalitarianism in the future. This volume will be essential reading for any student, scholar, or reader interested in how totalitarianism does, and could, shape our modern political world." -- Back cover.
"David Roberts outlines the contours and history of totalitarianism."-- Provided by publisher.
- Series
- Key concepts in political theory
Key concepts in political theory.
- Format
- Book
- Author/Creator
- Roberts, David D., 1943- author.
- Published
- Cambridge, UK ; Medford, MA : Polity Press, 2020
©2020
- Contents
-
1. Why should we care about totalitarianism?
2. The career of a concept
3. Totalitarian trajectories during the era of the two World Wars
4. Movements and regimes Since World War II
5. The future of totalitarianism
Notes
Index.
- Other Authors/Editors
- Polity Press.
- Notes
-
Includes bibliographical references (pages 150-162) and index.
1. Why should we care about totalitarianism? -- 2. The career of a concept -- 3. Totalitarian trajectories during the era of the two World Wars -- 4. Movements and regimes Since World War II -- 5. The future of totalitarianism -- Notes -- Index.
