Anti-Leftist Politics in Modern World History

"'Socialist' and 'Socialism' have been used as rhetorical weapons for political purposes against real and fictitious targets throughout modern history. Liberals, conservatives, nationalists, fascists and others have all come aggressively and sometimes violently into play against real or contrived 'socialism'. In this book, Philip Minehan traces examples of anti-'socialist' hostility from around the world from the early 19th century. Starting in 19th-century Europe this book considers the rise of leftist opposition as capitalist industrial society expanded. It goes on to consider the role of imperialism in outmaneuvering left-wing political movements during decolonization, the part played by anti-'socialism' in the rise of fascism, nationalism and the world wars, and US aggression against 'The Red Scare' in the latter stages of the 20th century. Taking the reader up to the present day, the author addresses opposition to the left during the wars in the Middle East and the ensuing refugee crisis to demonstrate that fear of the left remains as destructive as ever."--