New British Fascism
The Rise of the British National Party (BNP)
By Matthew J. Goodwin
- Price: $150.00
- Binding/Format: Hardback
- ISBN: 978-0-415-46500-7
- Publish Date: January 31st 2011
- Imprint: Routledge
- Pages: 208 pages
Series: Extremism and Democracy
Description
This book examines the recent development of the far right in Britain against the backdrop of changing public attitudes toward race and immigration in Britain. Focusing in particular on the British National Party (BNP) which has been the most electorally successful far right party in British history, the book examines the worrying rise in support for extremist and racist ideas.
The author has spent considerable time interviewing members of the BNP and is thus able to offer an unprecendented inside perpsective on the views of both everyday activists and the party's leadership. The book helps us to understand:
- Why and how the far right has sought to become more ‘respectable’
- To what extent this ‘modernisation’ marks a radical departure from the past
- Why individuals join and become active in the British far right, a movement typically associated with complete electoral failure
- The relationship between the extreme right and violence
- The broader perspective of increasing levels of anti-immigrant and anti-establishment sentiment in Britain as well as the success of far right parties throughout Western Europe
This is essential reading for all those with an interest in British politics, fascism, political parties, race relations and extremism.
Contents
Part 1 1. The Legacy of History 2. In the Ghetto: The BNP, 1982-1999 3. From Street Gang to Political Party: 1999-2009 4. Organization and Membership 5. Who Votes for Griffin? Part 2 6. The Activists: Who are They? 7. Why do they Join? 8. Why do They Stay? 9. The BNP at a Crossroads. Conclusions
