“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 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

“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