The Return of Resentment

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The Return of Resentment traces the evolution of resentment, highlighting its rise to prominence in recent discourse, particularly since November 2016. Often linked with terms like "hatred," "rage," and "fear," resentment resists straightforward definition. Is it a complex mix of emotions or merely another term for anger? Does it signify irrational grievances or legitimate calls for justice? Is it politically charged or inherently neutral? Robert A. Schneider delves into these inquiries, examining resentment's trajectory from eighteenth-century Britain through the French Revolution and various social movements of the twentieth century. By referencing diverse writers, thinkers, and historical contexts, Schneider reveals how resentment has transformed into a collective sentiment across the political spectrum. This exploration uncovers resentment's modern complexities—it can both undermine valid critiques and articulate moral demands for recognition. Schneider analyzes its application in contemporary movements, including Trump supporters, Brexit advocates, radical Islamicists, and identity politics proponents. By addressing the current political landscape in a fresh manner, the work prompts critical reflection on the emotional dynamics at play in politics.