July 27
2:00 PM
The summer read is two books certain to lead to a lively discussion: Eric Hoffer's The True Believer (published by Harper Perennial Modern Classics,) and Penny Bochum's We are the People: The Rise of the AfD in Germany (published by Haus Publishing). All are welcome to read the books and join the conversation!
Published in 1951, Eric Hoffer looked at a variety of aspects in history and psychology to explain why mass movements arise. He argued there are some commonalities among these groups that can lead to extremism.
Penny Bochum takes a look at the rise of one such groups, the Alternative for Deutschland. She explores its sudden growth and radicalization, showing how the leaders' use of inflammatory, xenophobic, and even Nazi-era language that have become a hallmark of far-right forces emerging in the Western world today.
