Enemies Within

More about the book

The invocation of fifth columns in politics has recurred throughout history and is currently on the rise amid democratic erosion and geopolitical uncertainty. Accusations of fifth columns can severely impact governance and trust, questioning the loyalty of targeted populations and leading to human rights abuses, political repression, and even ethnic cleansing. This book is the first to systematically explore the roots and implications of fifth-column politics. A multidisciplinary group of scholars examines key questions: When are fifth-column claims employed, and against whom? What drives changes in their framing over time? How do governmental claims differ from those of societal groups, and how do accusations vary based on ethnicity or ideology? Additionally, how do those labeled as fifth columns respond? The contributors utilize a common theoretical framework and qualitative social science to analyze cases from three continents, often challenging conventional wisdom. This work offers a unique perspective on contemporary challenges, including the rise of populism and authoritarianism, the resurgence of chauvinistic nationalism, the decline of democratic norms, and the persecution of ethnic or religious minorities and political dissidents.