Moíses Naím is the author of what is widely regarded as one of the most important books on the threat to modern democracy, The Revenge of Power. I’m also proud to say he’s a contributing editor to The New World.
Which is one reason we’re lucky enough to have an exclusive extract from his new book, Charlatans, co-authored with Quico Toro – a searing exposé of snake-oil salesmen, their cheap promises, and the destruction and chaos they leave in their wake.
Our extract features … guess who? … Nigel Farage. I guarantee you’ll experience a strange sensation while reading it: a mixture of admiration for the vivid, illuminating prose and fury at the fact we let these absolute chancers get away with their schtick time and again.
As the bookmakers now make Farage clear favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (just let that sink in), I can’t think of a more timely character assessment.
Sonia Sodha finds common ground in two affronts to British justice: Prince Andrew’s part in the sexual abuse of Virginia Giuffre, and the grooming gangs allowed to thrive in the UK. In both cases, the culprits were granted impunity – either through wealth and influence, or because a fearful liberal establishment shuddered at the thought of confronting an uncomfortable statistical reality.
A few other highlights in a packed edition:
- Paul Mason recoils at the strain of antisemitism still infecting parts of the Left.
- Florence Hallett assesses the photography of Lee Miller, beyond her famous bathtub shot.
- Matthew d’Ancona makes sense of this perilous moment in the Middle East.
- John Bleasdale asks whether our obsession with serial-killer box sets has gone too far.
- Nicky Woolf explores whether Jon Stewart might one day become President.
- Alastair Campbell says what he likes about free speech.
- And in Rats in a Sack, Christopher Hitchens makes a most unexpected – and not uncontentious – comeback.
