Tracing Spikes in Fear and Narcissism in Western Democracies Since 9/11

Maximiliano E. Korstanje is Senior Researcher in the Department of Economics at University of Palermo, Argentina. He was awarded Visiting Research Fellow at the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds, UK, and at the University of Havana, Cuba. He was recently awarded Emeritus Chief Editor of the Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism. His recent books include The Rise of Thana-Capitalism and Tourism (2016), Terrorism, Tourism and the End of Hospitality in the West (2017), and Mobilities Paradox: A Critical Analysis (2017).

Introduction – Beyond the Principle of Pleasure Lies Terror – The Archetype of Lost Paradise: Neglecting Suffering – From Production to Consumption: The Origins of Terror – Maximiliano E. Korstanje / Hugues Seraphin: Miscarried Enjoyment! Alcohol Consumption as a Platform of Pleasure, Hospitality, and Distinction – From Risk Perception Towards Thana-Capitalism – The Heritage of Terror – Terrorism and Media in the Days of Thana-Capitalism.

“Korstanje’s Tracing Spikes in Fear and Narcissism in Western Democracies Since 9/11 is a scathing and insightful critique of the conditions of twenty-first century capitalism. It is a form of capitalism that pitches blissful pleasures to the masses while peddling idiotic fears surrounding terrorism, dangers, and crises of all kinds. He asks when, if ever, is the right time to question the prevailing socio-capitalist order? When do we draw the proverbial line in the sand and call-out violence and injustices regardless of the context? Should we continue to accept the inherent violence of capitalism because we are accustomed to it? Korstanje believes the answers to these questions is “no,” and he expertly shows us why some liberty is not liberty at all. He asks us to consider how the happiness afforded by capitalism has come at a terrible price. This is a book not to be missed—authoritative and unflinching, Korstanje’s book demands our attentions.”
—Dr. Luke Howie, Deputy Director, Global Terrorism Research Centre, Monash University, Australia

“In this book, Korstanje discusses at length the philosophy and social culture of terrorism and capitalism. He ties together many previous controversies, then introduces new issues into the debate about what the impacts will be if terrorism and capitalism continue to evolve as they have in the last few decades. The continuing fear of global terrorism, which many would say was popularized by the American 9/11 event although it existed long before, has impacted everyone. 9/11 certainly is not the first or only global terrorist event, but since that day onward, most people around the world have been negatively impacted by a reduction of their human rights and a loss of feeling safe and secure.”
—Dr. Kenneth D. Strang, CEO APPC Research, Australia; Professor, State University of New York

“In days of terror and anxiety, books like this one ignite a hot debate on the intersection of terror, pleasure, and narcissism.”
—Dr. Max Abrahms, Northeastern University