1st Edition

The Origins of Anti-Authoritarianism

By Nina Witoszek Copyright 2019
    188 Pages
    by Routledge

    188 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book discusses the ongoing revolution of dignity in human history as the work of ‘humanist outliers’: small groups and individuals dedicated to compassionate social emancipation. It argues that anti-authoritarian revolutions like 1989’s ‘Autumn of the Nations’ succeeded in large part due to cultural and political innovations springing from such small groups.



    The author explores the often ingenious ways in which these maladapted and liminal ‘outliers’ forged a cooperative and dialogic mindset among previously resentful and divided communities. Their strategies warrant closer scrutiny in the context of the ongoing 21st century revolution of dignity and efforts to (re)unite an ever more troubled and divided world.

    Chapter 1: The Revolution of Dignity and its Drivers Chapter 2: The Second Renaissance in the 20th Century Europe Chapter 3: Reenchanting Modernity: Comparative Perspectives on the Legacy of 1968 Chapter 4: Friendship and Revolution: The Eros and Ethos of the Workers’ Defence Committee (KOR) Chapter 5: Three Weddings and a Funeral: the Cultural Roots of Solidarność Chapter 6: The Power of Hinterland Chapter 7: The Power of Sacrum Chapter 8: The Power of Women Epilogue

    Biography

    Nina Witoszek is currently research professor and director of the Arne Naess Programme on Global Justice and the Environment at the Centre for Development and the Environment, Oslo University.