French Populism and Discourses on Secularism

By: Per-Erik Nilsson, Craig Martin (Editor)

Write A Review

Hardcover | 27 December 2018

At a Glance

Hardcover
232 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.13 x 15.88 x 1.91

Hardcover

RRP $220.00

$192.99

12%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $48.25 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

Per-Erik Nilsson takes a religious studies approach to analyse the intersections of secularism, nationhood and populism in contemporary France. This book provides insight into the French and European radical-nationalist ideology and activism, and contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between religion and the state in contemporary Europe and beyond.

When Marine Le Pen became the leader of the radical nationalist and populist party National Front in 2011, she made clear that secularism was a core value of party. This signalled a significant shift in the party's rhetorical strategies and previous reluctance to embrace secularism. Nilsson argues that this conspicuous appropriation first came about as a logical result of the obsession of the established mainstream political parties and news media with questions of secularism, national identity and Islam. He shows that a key player in understanding the National Front's change is the web-based journal Riposte Laïque, which has become a central actor in French radical-nationalist and anti-Muslim web and street-based activism. For the first time, this source is examined in order to understand French radical nationalists' recent appropriation of secularism, as well as debates on secularism, national identity and Islam in France more broadly.

Industry Reviews

"In this in-depth dissection of an important French identitarian far-right movement, Per-
Erik Nilsson gives us a clear insight into how these anti-Muslim activists, misleadingly
claiming to work in the cause of secularism, argue and mobilize in their frightening
attempt to carry out a religious cleansing of France." --John R. Bowen, Dunbar-Van Cleve Professor in Arts & Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and author of On British Islam (2006) and Can Islam be French? (2009).

"This timely book is a must-read for those interested in (and concerned by) how laïcite
has been mobilized for nationalist, racist and xenophobic ends. Why laïcite and why now?
Scholars in a diverse range of fields will find answers in this empirically and theoretically
rich monograph." --Jennifer A. Selby, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, and author of Questioning French Secularism (2012).

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.