Red Pill Politics: Demystifying Today’s Far Right

by David Ost

A smart and accessible dissection of twenty-first-century fascist politics, providing general readers with the tools to understand, and defeat, today’s resurgent far right



Around the globe, far-right political parties and movements are on the march, winning popular support, legislative seats, and presidencies—and stoking widespread fears of the revival of fascism. What to make of this terrifying drift?




In this timely, deeply researched, and deftly argued examination of far-right politics today, the political scientist David Ost shows that to grasp the very real threat of resurgent fascism, we must look beyond the extreme examples of Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Italy lest we miss the growing strength—and the distinctly populist appeal—of today’s far right. Instead, drawing on a wide range of compelling contemporary and historical examples, Ost shows that we must understand the current global movement as part of a new political category, which he calls “Red Pill Politics” in reference to the right-wing meme which purports to peel back the facade of liberal hegemony. While Red Pill Politics exhibits many features of classical fascism—racial exclusion, xenophobic fearmongering, enforcement of rigid gender roles—contemporary far-right parties have won power not through violence and mass repression, but through anti-elite, populist rhetoric and elections.


For readers of Jason Stanley’s How Fascism Works, Red Pill Politics draws on meticulous historical research and analysis of contemporary far-right politics to help us understand and fight one of today’s most pressing political threats.

Genres: Politics

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got the ebook for review on Netgally.

Lately I've been much more invested in certain areas of politics and trying to understand whats going on right now in the current political climate. I really liked it book it added context to things I've already heard before and discussions being had. Its a good companion if your like me and trying to follow whats going on in USA amd Palestine and other places (unfortunately the world is on fire) Its brief as its talks about a lot and sometimes touches on multiple events and topics. Its tragic that these kinds of political views has excited for so long and still exists today. It feels like right now these kind of people have all the acces to run havoc on our world. Bad things can happen in other places but in the end we all are affected.

[Patrick Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot here that is worthy reading, and David Ost has a strong grasp on history, particularly that of 20th century Europe. His examination and dissection of various far-right manifestations is revealing and informative, though the solutions he puts forward for beating back the current far right are underwhelming. The book is strongest when Ost makes the case that historical fascism and similar forms of far-right rule did, in fact, offer material rewards in order to secure enough support to maintain power. Still, early in the book the author bills it, in part, as a case for why it's important to understand the differences between fascism and other forms of right-wing populism. The answer never really materializes. That said, it is still an informative and valuable book, especially for its ability to tie the historical to the present.

Many thanks to the New Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[the love of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative and interesting read, backed up with references and a strong narrative. I think this book is perfect for people who already have a steady understanding of world politics, both historically and present, and are interested in the topic. Without this, you may feel adrift surrounded by the language and some of the content.

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.