Frivolous Politics

Examines how contemporary populism in the United States is the political expression of an underlying cultural decadence.

By scrutinizing both the far left and the far right, and seeing them as sharing the same locus classicus, this book offers concrete recommendations for engaging in genuinely inclusive language that gets Americans back to doing the hard work that liberal democracy demands. With a new theoretical framework, built upon an exploration of cultural decadence and postmodern communication technology, O’Keefe brings a fresh approach to the field of populism studies. Both progressive and traditional-minded readers will be better equipped to engage with and understand the causes and draws of populism in today's increasingly polarized political culture.