This book offers a robust and timely defence of progressive social values—commonly referred to as "wokeness"—in the face of intensifying opposition from far-right political movements. Framing wokeness as a principled commitment to social justice and equity, the author situates these values within the broader tradition of liberal democratic thought, arguing that they are indispensable to the preservation and advancement of democratic societies.

Against the backdrop of rising authoritarianism across global contexts, the book critically examines the cultural and political backlash against woke ideals, particularly as manifested in social media discourse, climate change debates, and the evolving landscape of higher education. Stuart Sim traces the intellectual lineage of woke thought to longstanding efforts in Western culture to resist authoritarianism and promote the liberalisation of human relations. Engaging with one of the most polarising and consequential cultural conflicts of our time, this volume provides a compelling exploration of the ideological struggle between progressive and reactionary forces, offering insights into the future trajectory of democratic culture and public discourse.

Stuart Sim is now retired, but was previously Professor of Critical Theory at Northumbria University, UK. He is the author of many books, including most recently Sartre, Existentialism and the New Age of Nausea (Palgrave, 2025).