The Rise of the Outsiders

Discover why outsiders from Trump to Corbyn are succeeding like never before - and what this means for you.





In recent years, voters have deserted the political centre like never before. Whether it's Trump, Brexit, Le Pen, or Corbyn, outsiders and populists are flourishing on the far left and far right.





Celebrated political commentator Steve Richards explores factors from globalization and fake news to rising immigration and stagnant wages. Richards argues that the reasons for the success of the outsider also sows the seeds of their eventual demise. If they do gain power, they inevitably become insiders themselves - and fail to live up to their extravagant promises.





This landmark book examines the rapidly shifting global political landscape of the last decade, and is essential reading for anyone who has been bothered by Brexit, troubled by Trump or confused by Corbyn.



Steve Richards is a political columnist, journalist, and presenter. He presents Week in Westminster on BBC Radio Four among other programmes on BBC Radio and Television. He writes for several national newspapers and was formerly Chief Political Reporter at the Independent and Political Editor at the New Statesman. He also fronts a popular political show each year at Edinburgh Festival.



There is no more insightful observer of the British scene than this reasoned pundit... [Richards] brilliantly nails it.



Richards offers valuable insights into how awkward political power really is.



Excellent... An important and insightful account of the current rise of populism amid the collapse of trust in both conventional politics and politicians.



Steve Richards is quite simply one of the best in the business.



Easily one of our best commentators.



Steve Richards is a fine columnist and thoughtful political commentator. This book gets to the heart of why conventional politicians and parties are struggling and failing to adapt to the challenge of the outsiders, opening the door to Trump, the Brexiteers and European movements of far left and right.



Insightful and well researched... The Rise of the Outsiders is both a stinging rebuke to established parties of left and right, but also a clarion call to mainstream politicians to call-out empty populism and make anew the case for sane government.



Incisive and urgent... This needs to be read by anyone trying to understand the nature of the current political system in Western democracies.



An important book about the social forces behind the disruptive challenges to mainstream politics and the future of representative political parties.



Fascinating... an unusual book by one of our best political commentators



rigorous examination . . . accessible and informative