This book traces the rise of contemporary populism in Western democracies, marked by the return of would-be 'strong men' politicians. It seeks to make sense of the resultant nature, origins, and the remarkable spread of ideologies that express resistance to "facts," science, and expertise.

John Pratt is Emeritus Professor of Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His research interests are in the areas of the sociology and history of punishment, and criminological and social theory, and comparative penology. Professor Pratt has published extensively in these areas, including 'Law, Insecurity and Risk Control' (2020); 'Contrasts in Punishment. An Explanation of Anglophone Excess and Nordic Exceptionalism (2013, with Anna Eriksson); Penal Populism (2007); 'Punishment and Civilization' (2002)

Acknowledgements

1 The Return of the Strong Men

2 Penal Populism and Public Protection

3 The Rise of Populist Politics

4 COVID-19 as an Antidote to Populism

5 Fragile Reprieve

ReferencesIndex