Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The case for blending reason with passion to inspire radical change

Passions and Politics
by Paul Ginsborg and Sergio Labate
(Polity, £15.99)

OPTIMISTIC, but not reassuring, Paul Ginsborg and Sergio Labate’s Passions and Politics maintains that politics can be more than “a mere experience of frustration” but only if we let go of cherished beliefs and develop a new critique of neoliberalism.

Well-formed logical arguments are always essential to political persuasion but we will need something more than rationality to challenge the seductive power of consumerism. The authors fling down a political gauntlet: we must, they claim, reflect on the rise of right-wing populism and consider whether its appeal to emotional values can be redirected towards progressive objectives.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
everything
Books / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026

JOHN GREEN’s palate is tickled by useful information leavened by amusing and unusual anecdotes, incidental gossip and scare stories

gaza
Books / 31 July 2025
31 July 2025

ANDY HEDGECOCK recommends that these beautifully written diaries from Gaza be essential reading for thick-skinned MPs

satie
Books / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

ANDY HEDGECOCK relishes an exuberant blend of emotion and analysis that captures the politics and contrarian nature of the French composer

PARRIQUE
Books / 20 June 2025
20 June 2025

JOHN GREEN applauds an excellent and accessible demonstration that the capitalist economy is the biggest threat to our existence