Beyond the Zizek-Laclau Debate: Coalition Politics and Academic Theory after Obama

Abstract

Throughout this book, I have both criticized academic theory and have tried to position theory to be more politically effective. On the one hand, I have revealed how supposedly radical academic theory is often reactionary and that thinkers like Slavoj Zizek and Frederic Jameson represent an automodern backlash against diverse postmodern social movements. On the other hand, I have turned to the work of Jacques Lacan and Ernesto Laclau to articulate a theoretical model for contemporary social movements, and I have tied this model to the particular example of the contingent faculty fight for economic justice and equality. In this final chapter, I will show how a critical use of new media can transform the America political system and redefine how we envision progressive social movements. However, before articulating this new democratic model, I want to return to the theoretical and political debate between Zizek and Laclau, and my central reason for this return is to examine the possibilities and limitations of contemporary progressive political movements in general and Barack Obama’s politics, in particular.