“Disaster Nationalism” Richard Seymour and Sivamohan Valluvan on the Downfall of Liberal Civilization

The third and final conversation in a three-part series on Resisting Nationalism is with Richard Seymour previewing his forthcoming book ‘Disaster Nationalism’ (October 2024, Verso).

The rise of the new far-right has left the world grappling with a profound misunderstanding. While the spotlight often shines on the actions of charismatic leaders like Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Rodrigo Duterte, the true peril lies elsewhere. They are but the political manifestations of a potent force – disaster nationalism. This mass cultural phenomenon, propelled through the vast networks of social media and fueled by far-right influencers, emerges from a reservoir of societal despair, fear, and isolation.

At its core, disaster nationalism fixates on images of catastrophe – the ‘Great Replacement,’ Satanic ‘cabals’ – as explanations for its discontent. It yearns for an ‘end of days,’ a reckoning, a ‘storm’ as the QAnon faithful call it, to bring an end to its suffering. This yearning is only heightened by the relentless onslaught of real-world disasters – from economic recessions to global pandemics and ecological collapse.

Within this seething cauldron, we witness not only the surge of far-right political movements but also the sparks of individual and collective violence against perceived enemies, from ‘lone wolf’ killers to terrifying pogroms. Should a new fascism emerge, it will coalesce from these very elements. This is disaster nationalism.

In Disaster Nationalism, Richard Seymour delves deep into this alarming phenomenon, dissecting its roots, its influencers, and the threats it poses. With meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, this book offers a stark warning and a call to action. The battle against disaster nationalism is not just political; it is a struggle for our collective soul and the future of civilization itself.

PART OF THE RESISTING NATIONALISM SERIES