Myth, Mayhem, and Pseudo-Democracy: The Role of Political Myths in Mobilizing Nationalist Populist Movements and Political Extremists
type: CreativeWork
description: This body of research analyzes the enduring impact of political myth in nationalist populism and extremist movements. The rise of Western nationalist parties and acts of terror in the early 21st century gave life to this project. The manuscript advances two theories regarding political myths and their relationship to far right radicalism. First, nationalist myths—sprawling political worldviews whose dogmatic tenets are resistant to empirical critique and rational refutation—function as ideological constructs. They fictionalize the causes of events and serve to recruit adherents to authoritarian causes. Myths are continually reworked to address factual inaccuracies, failed predictions, and evolving social developments, while maintaining a consistent core narrative. Second, myths arise in response to the failures of procedural democracy to realize egalitarian ideals and promote the citizen identities that underwrite democratic theory. The study employs a discourse analysis informed by Theodor Adorno and other Frankfurt School thinkers' response to the 20th century's authoritarian demagogues, demonstrating their continued relevance to studies in nationalist extremism and democratic critique. Finally, the project concludes with policy and pedagogical recommendations aimed at producing a rational and authentically democratic citizenry.
abstract: This body of research analyzes the enduring impact of political myth in nationalist populism and extremist movements. The rise of Western nationalist parties and acts of terror in the early 21st century gave life to this project. The manuscript advances two theories regarding political myths and their relationship to far right radicalism. First, nationalist myths—sprawling political worldviews whose dogmatic tenets are resistant to empirical critique and rational refutation—function as ideological constructs. They fictionalize the causes of events and serve to recruit adherents to authoritarian causes. Myths are continually reworked to address factual inaccuracies, failed predictions, and evolving social developments, while maintaining a consistent core narrative. Second, myths arise in response to the failures of procedural democracy to realize egalitarian ideals and promote the citizen identities that underwrite democratic theory. The study employs a discourse analysis informed by Theodor Adorno and other Frankfurt School thinkers' response to the 20th century's authoritarian demagogues, demonstrating their continued relevance to studies in nationalist extremism and democratic critique. Finally, the project concludes with policy and pedagogical recommendations aimed at producing a rational and authentically democratic citizenry.
author: Boatwright, Stephon J
keywords: American Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Right-Wing Populism, Political Myth, Extremism, Authoritarianism, Replacement Theory, Nationalism, Conspiracy Theories, Political Violence, Radicalization, Nativism
date published: 2025-02-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:59:30Z
provider: City University of New York - Graduate Center
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York