In New York Times–bestselling author Paul Berman’s opinion, terrorism does not represent a paradigm shift in human thought; rather, it represents a return to the kind of totalitarian thinking that ravaged the European continent during most of the 20th century. Berman shows how a genuine religious inspiration can be turned into murderous terrorism, and offers insights into how Islamic radicalism mirrors some all-too-familiar episodes in America and Europe. He condemns the foreign policy “realism” of the right and diagnoses the naiveté of the political left. Finally, he calls for a “new radicalism” and “liberal American interventionism to promote democratic values throughout the world”—a vigorous new policy of American liberalism. Drawing from the history and philosophy of religion and politics, Berman is a peerless interpreter of today’s events.“Mr. Berman is a wonderfully lucid presenter and analyzer of recent intellectual history.”—The New York Times Book Review
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"Indispensible to understanding the intellectual-historical underlay of our conflict with the Middle East. Disparaged as neoconservative scripture by all the right people, read this if you want to build a framework for analyzing the irrational dimension of our geopolitical struggle." — John-paul (5 out of 5 stars)
"Indispensible to understanding the intellectual-historical underlay of our conflict with the Middle East. Disparaged as neoconservative scripture by all the right people, read this if you want to build a framework for analyzing the irrational dimension of our geopolitical struggle."
Forceful and persuasive.—Washington Post Book World
Berman's book is penetrating, insightful, honest, erudite...it is always intense.—Washington Monthly
Wonderfully rich and illuminating.—Wall Street Journal
An engaging, delusion-busting history primer.—Village Voice
A damning indictment of bad leftism...a smart [and] honest book that should be read.—The Weekly Standard
There is much to admire in Berman's book....[a] valuable contribution.—The New York Review
An achievement...practical, yet analytical.—The Nation
Berman is one of the most elegant and provacative thinkers to emerge from America's New Left.—Salon
Berman connects the dots of world fascism...Policymakers everywhere should bone up on his discoveries and take heed.—Philadelphia Inquirer
A compelling [and] powerful book.—Newsletter of the Social Democrats USA
Berman makes a compelling case.—New York Times Book Review
One of the most challenging accounts of the post-9/11 world.—New York Times
An accomplished intellectual history....This book has insights for everyone across the political spectrum who seeks a better understanding of the present danger.—National Review
Full of good, smart moments.—Kirkus Reviews
Brilliant, stirring.—Dallas Morning News
Breaks its bounds....As a thinker [and] as a writer, Berman begins to cast a spell.—Bookforum
" a scholarly analysis of liberalism (western, scientific, capitalistic and individualistic) confronting 20th century totalitarianism. pertinent after 9/11, but i think he has an axe to grind about judaism. "
" there is probably no better -- and less recognized -- writer regarding the state of the world than paul berman. this book should really be required reading for all americans. "
" Outstanding discussion of how modern-day Islamist terrorists are similar to earlier Fascists and Communists in their rejection of liberal values of multiculturalism, democracy, and individualism. "
" Best book of the era. "
" a good illustration of my teardrop theory...that the far left and the far right are not polar opposites but rather meet, pulling the political spectrum into a bulging teardrop. "
" A sharp historical view to begin to understand what happened in 9/11. "
" This is a very interesting and provocative book that puts totalitarianism into historical perspective during the late 19th and 20th century Europe. Then the author goes on to explain how this manifests itself in acts of terrorism today. "
" Paul Berman is stupid, really stupid. He's a neoconservative pretending to be a liberal. If he had an ounce of intelligence, he'd be a liberal pretending to be an ex-jihadist. That's where the real money's at. "
" This book was recommended to me by an individual who must have wanted me to drink the same kool-aide he was drinking. Rather read Norm Chomsky than anything Berman ever has to say. "
" Very disappointing book. Was supposed to be the liberal's answer to the neocons war on terror, but it actually was just simplistic crap. "
" Informative. If you want to learn about the middle-east powder keg that has been rumbling since before the cold war you need to pick this book up. "
" very scholarly and passionately written yet it is a boring read. "
" Though a relatively scholarly topic, I found the language very engaging and easy to understand. Paul Berman has clearly done a lot of research and conveys his thesis well. I also recommend this book as a good way to get a wide berth on subways! "
" Changed my perspectives on contemporary history and current events. "
" There's a lot I could say about this book, but I'm saving it for MFSO. We'll need something to chat about in those languid, post-coital moments. "
" It's a literary read. There's a lot going on here to make a rather simple point. It's okay, but can't really recommend it for all. Bit too lofty sometimes. "
Paul Berman writes about politics and literature for the New Republic, the New York Times Book Review, and other magazines. His books have been translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New York City.
Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.
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