The Struggle for the World Liberation Movements for the 21st Century [Hardcover]

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. The Struggle for the Worldis excellent. Lindholm and Z?quete deal with an issue of the age from a novel angle and with interesting cases. For all their similarities, the movements in question are different, and this difference is part of the pleasure and interest of the book. I have no doubt this superbly written work will garner considerable attention. The Struggle for the Worldis an ambitious, transdisciplinary study that succeeds admirably in illuminating the political, ideational, and spiritual dynamics involving the major opponents of market globalism. Lindholm and Z?quete make a convincing case that these alter-globalization movements on both the Left and Right have begun to articulate the rising global imaginary in powerful grand narratives. A vital addition to the growing literature in global slc