Time and Its Object

Abstract

people participate in a politics of as if, which was about public dissimulation more than actual adherence, the upgraded versions of authoritarianism in the decade before the uprisings allowed a variety of cultural producers to participate in fantasy investments of glitzy consumerism. With the uprisings of 2011, however, a change took place, where an ever-greater discrepancy between ideals and practice mounted, something Wedeen explores in the form of humor and mockery of the president found in films, TV-series and youtube-videos (chapter 2). During the conflict, which soon took a more and more violent outlook with severe regime repression, such forms of public life and culture descended into doubt and uncertainty, where questions of truth itself often became fraught (chapter 3). Where other works have tried to depict Syrian activists and their sense of moral outrage, Wedeen turns to the question of nationalism and sentimentality and how particular moral educational forms harness different economies of suffering (chapter 4). Finally, Wedeen explores how fears were cultivated among the minorities preventing them from engaging in or with politics differently (chapter 5). Wedeen offers a most needed analysis of Syria and authoritarian permutations. The book even if addressing one of the darkest chapters in recent history, offers hope in its insistence on the human faculties of reason. I trust that this book will capture its readers with its push for new ground in the scholarly apprehension of the lures of authoritarianism in Syria and in the new global order, which has not dimmed in light of the current global COVID-19 situation, that alas, offers itself for parallel readings. As such, Authoritarian Apprehensions can be used for teaching on both BA and MA courses, however, the book demands attentiveness and effort. To all who takes up the book the dividends will be plenty.