Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the

Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West

After the staggering slaughter of back-to-back world wars, the West embraced the ideal of the â€œopen society.â€ The promise: By liberating ourselves from the old attachments to nation, clan, and religion that had fueled centuries of violence, we could build a prosperous world without borders, freed from dogmas and managed by experts.

But the populism and nationalism that are upending politics in America and Europe are a sign that after three generations, the postwar consensus is breaking down. With compelling insight, R. R. Reno argues that we are witnessing the return of the â€œstrong godsâ€â€”the powerful loyalties that bind men to their homeland and to one another.

Reacting to the calamitous first half of the twentieth century, our political, cultural, and financial elites promoted open borders, open markets, and open minds. But this never-ending project of openness has hardened into a set of anti-dogmatic dogmas which destroy the social solidarity rooted in family, faith, and nation. While they worry about the return of fascism, our societies are dissolving.

But man will not tolerate social dissolution indefinitely. He longs to be part of a â€œweâ€â€”the fruit of shared lovesâ€”which gives his life meaning. The strong gods will return, Reno warns, in one form or another. Our task is to attend to those that, appealing to our reason as well as our hearts, inspire the best of our traditions. Otherwise, we shall invite the darker gods whose return our open society was intended to forestall.
Country USA
Brand Gateway Editions
Manufacturer Regnery Gateway
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2019-10-15
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781621578000

Country	USA
Brand	Gateway Editions
Manufacturer	Regnery Gateway
Binding	Hardcover
ReleaseDate	2019-10-15
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781621578000

Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West

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