Populism, Democracy and Community Development

While it is now often argued that neoliberalism profoundly shapes the context and practice of community development, this is the first major book to investigate the interconnections between populism, democracy and community development. It is undoubtedly overdue, given that the ‘authoritarian turn’—the global rise of right-wing populism and authoritarian politics generally—is one of the most significant, and worrying, developments of the past decade. This is therefore a timely addition to Policy Press’s excellent Rethinking Community Development series, which combines high-quality and thought-provoking chapters by established figures and new voices. It is essential reading for anyone interested in how community development might address the currently challenging circumstances for renewing the appeal of community development and progressive politics. For this reason, it needs to be read widely within community development circles, but also beyond it, as the book shows that progressive community development strategies are central to reinvigorating democracy. As Sue Kenny,...