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Pankaj Mishra asks why anger shapes so much of politics today. He looks at the rise of populism and racism. He tracks both in Europe and the United States. He also studies Islamic extremism in the East. He looks at attacks on migrants and minority groups. These trends clash with liberal goals: freedom and equal chances for each person.

The book traces the history of politics and ideas. It links today's unrest to ideas from the past. Mishra traces the roots of today's strife to the Enlightenment. He asks why those who feel society has cheated them seek revenge. Their anger can make them back harsh, strong-arm rule. Across party lines, he finds the same fear. People fear that no one can control events.

Mishra draws on his work as a journalist and historian. He wrote the book between Brexit and Trump's election. He sees today's anger as a force with deep roots. It is not a sudden break with the past.