Review by Socialist Aotearoa member Melissa.

Why do right wing ideologies seem to be gaining popularity? Ash Sarkar is a refreshingly witty commentator and activist and her new book “Minority Rule” is a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the resurgence of right-wing populism. The title refers to the fear that we are being ruled by minority identity groups who wish to shape the world in their own image.

 Sarkar sprinkles hilarious descriptions throughout the book of the way identity politics derail serious issues that need to be addressed. We learn about online commentators arguing that Anne Frank had ‘white privilege’ or activists publicly declaring that ‘we should dismantle all our movements that aren’t majority people of colour’ which Ash describes as ‘bananas’ when you live in a country that is 80 percent white.

Central to the book is the concept of class struggle and the critique of capitalist society which inherently produces and maintains inequalities, benefiting a small minority at the expense of the majority. She draws parallels between historical and contemporary issues, showing how the capitalist system continues to evolve, yet remains fundamentally exploitative. Sarkar discusses how a small elite class controls the means of production and thus holds power over the working class. This dynamic is evident throughout society from the obvious economic disparities to political representation. Sarkar argues that the capitalist system is designed to perpetuate this imbalance, with policies and practices that reinforce the dominance of the ruling class.

She highlights how race, gender, and other identities intersect with class, further complicating the struggle against oppression. Sarkar illustrates how minorities are not only marginalized economically but also socially and politically, enduring multiple layers of discrimination that amplify their disenfranchisement. The individualistic, competitive nature of capitalism means that different groups become focused on their own struggles and fail to grasp the overarching class struggle which impacts everyone regardless of how they identify in relation to sexuality, disability or ethnicity.

By understanding the capitalist foundations of these issues, readers can better grasp the motivations behind political movements, policy decisions, and social unrest. “Minority Rule” equips readers with an analysis that sees beyond surface-level explanations and recognizes the deeper systemic forces at play.

In “Minority rule” I feel that Sarkar could have focused even more on delving into the role of the media in stoking divisions within society. She argues that mainstream media often serves the interests of the ruling class by perpetuating narratives that distract from the real sources of inequality. By sensationalizing certain issues and framing them in ways that pit different groups against each other, the media can exacerbate social tensions and divert attention away from systemic problems. This tactic ensures that the capitalist status quo remains unchallenged, as people are too busy fighting amongst themselves rather than uniting against their common oppressors.

Additionally, Sarkar highlights how media ownership and control are concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals and corporations. This concentration of power means that the perspectives and interests of the elite are disproportionately represented, while the voices of marginalized communities are often silenced or misrepresented. The media thus plays a crucial role in maintaining the ideological dominance of the ruling class, shaping public opinion in ways that reinforce existing power structures. This is why it is such a key driver in creating narratives that serves the elites while driving a wedge between different sections of the working class. “Minority Rule” is a great read and is particularly relevant now in the context of recent global events, such as the resurgence of right-wing populism, racial tensions, and economic crises.