Explores how the idea of ‘free speech’ has been central to the resurgence, rehabilitation and normalisation of racism within the mainstream politics.

‘Free speech’ has become central to discussions about racism, and is increasingly weaponised against anti-racist movements. This book argues that the weaponization of ‘free speech’ across the political spectrum, particularly by the far-right/alt-right, has been central to the resurgence, rehabilitation and normalisation of racism within the mainstream politics of western liberal democracies in the last decade. The dilemma then, for anti-racist movements, is how to respond to such a challenge — for if ‘free speech’ allows racism, then it follows that the elimination of racism is not possible.

Anshuman A. Mondal argues that liberalism has made it look as if there is something called ‘free speech’ when, in fact, speech is enabled by the structures of power within which we are all embedded. These structures determine who gets to say what, and whose voices are heard. They create and sustain racism, and anti-racism should look beyond the mythology of ‘free speech’ and focus instead on creating expressive regimes that foster racial and social justice by reshaping social discourse and transforming racialized structures of power.

"Essential. A highly engaging read that incisively skewers liberal free speech shibboleths. It is both a primer on liberalism, free speech, racism, philosophy of language and an incisive intervention into contemporary debates." - Dr Anthony Leaker, University of Brighton, UK

"Leading us through the intricacies of liberal political theory, Anshuman Mondal manages to deconstruct this theoretical history of ideas in order to illuminate present debates on so-called “cancel culture” and attended terms like “identity politics.” The book unpicks how these terms are weaponised liberal discourse, amongst other things. This is a work of great complexity and clarity." - Michael R. Griffiths, University of Wollongong, Australia