Klein and Taylor Detail "End Times Fascism" Thesis

Authors Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor have released a new book and accompanying video that detail a concerning evolution within the far-right, which they term "end times fascism." This ideology, they argue, is gaining traction in an era marked by escalating existential crises, including pandemics, climate emergencies, resource conflicts, and the unchecked advancement of technology. The core tenet of this movement, as described by Klein and Taylor, is the belief that the world is on the brink of collapse, and that only a select group of individuals is destined for salvation, often through means that involve abandoning the current planet.

Their collaborative work, "End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World," published on September 15, 2026, by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, posits that this dangerous ideology unites a diverse and often fractious alliance. This alliance includes figures ranging from "messianic venture capitalists" to "army-controlling theocrats," all of whom share a vision of impending global catastrophe and a desire to escape its consequences. The book and video aim to shed light on the individuals and ideas driving this movement, urging a broader commitment to the planet and to each other.

To visually represent their thesis, Klein and Taylor collaborated with filmmakers Emma Dessau, Austin Bedell, and P Nick Curran to produce a video. This visual component features direct insights from individuals associated with this "end times" ideology, further elaborating on their motivations and beliefs. The Guardian is presenting this video for the first time, offering a direct look into the perspectives that underpin this phenomenon. The intention behind sharing these narratives is to galvanize a collective response focused on preserving the living world and fostering solidarity.

Naomi Klein, a Guardian US columnist and contributing writer, also holds the position of professor of climate justice and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice at the University of British Columbia. Astra Taylor, a writer, organizer, and documentary filmmaker, is recognized as a co-founder of the Debt Collective. Their combined expertise in social justice, environmental issues, and critical analysis informs their examination of this emergent political and philosophical current. The book's release on September 15, 2026, marks a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about the future of political movements and societal responses to global challenges.