The Struggle for the World

by Lindholm, Charles

• ISBN13: 9780804759380
• ISBN10: 0804759383
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-03-09
• Publisher: Stanford Univ Pr

Summary

What do Mexico's Zapatistas, the French National Front, Slow Food, rave subculture, and al-Qaeda all have in common? From right-wing to left-wing to no-wing, they all proudly proclaim their mission to defend their distinctive identities against modernity's homogenizing processes. This controversial book establishes fundamental similarities between anti-globalization "aurora" movements that aim to destroy the modern world and bring a radiant new dawn to humankind. While these groups often despise one another, they nonetheless share many fundamental characteristics, goals, and attitudes. Drawing on the original writings and actions of various anti-globalist groups, the authors reveal a common tendency toward charismatic leadership, good versus evil worldviews, the quest for authentic identity, concern with ritual, and unbending demands for total commitment. These movements, however they pursue world transformation and personal transcendence, are a prominent and continuing aspect of our present condition. This book is a strong reminder that, no matter what the cause, revolution is not a thing of the past and the fervent search for another world continues.

Author Biography

Charles Lindholm is University Professor of Anthropology at Boston University. He is the author of seven books, including Culture and Authenticity (2008) and Is America Breaking Apart? (1999). Jos Pedro Zquete has studied and worked at the University of Washington, the University of the New Sorbonne, Boston University, and Harvard University. He is the author of Missionary Politics in Contemporary Europe (2007).

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
The Struggle for the World	p. 1
The Latin American Quest for Independence	p. 11
The European Search for Authenticity	p. 49
Global Movements to Transform Humanity	p. 83
Purifying the World: The Global Jihad	p. 122
Between Doom and Redemption	p. 152
Notes	p. 177
Bibliography	p. 227
Index	p. 261
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