rigorous examination . . . accessible and informative * The Tablet * Fascinating... an unusual book by one of our best political commentators * Tribune magazine * An important book about the social forces behind the disruptive challenges to mainstream politics and the future of representative political parties. * Baron David Willetts - Executive Chair of the Resolution Foundation * Incisive and urgent... This needs to be read by anyone trying to understand the nature of the current political system in Western democracies. * Alasdair Blair - Jean Monnet Professor of International Relations, De Montfort University, Leicester * Insightful and well researched... The Rise of the Outsiders is both a stinging rebuke to established parties of left and right, but also a clarion call to mainstream politicians to call-out empty populism and make anew the case for sane government. * Ed Balls -- former Shadow Chancellor to the Exchequer * Steve Richards is a fine columnist and thoughtful political commentator. This book gets to the heart of why conventional politicians and parties are struggling and failing to adapt to the challenge of the outsiders, opening the door to Trump, the Brexiteers and European movements of far left and right. * Vince Cable - former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills * Easily one of our best commentators. * David Aaronovitch * Steve Richards is quite simply one of the best in the business. * John Kampfner * Excellent... An important and insightful account of the current rise of populism amid the collapse of trust in both conventional politics and politicians. * Jon Snow - Newsreader, Channel Four News * Richards offers valuable insights into how awkward political power really is. * Guardian * There is no more insightful observer of the British scene than this reasoned pundit... [Richards] brilliantly nails it. * Observer *

Intelligent, nuanced and wide-ranging, this is the essential handbook for understanding the chaotic political times in which we live. In recent years, voters have deserted the political centre like never before. Whether it's Trump, Brexit, Le Pen, or Corbyn, outsiders and populists are flourishing on the far left and far right. Celebrated political commentator Steve Richards explores factors from globalization and fake news to rising immigration and stagnant wages. Richards argues that the reasons for the success of the outsider also sows the seeds of their eventual demise. If they do gain power, they inevitably become insiders themselves - and fail to live up to their extravagant promises. This landmark book examines the rapidly shifting global political landscape of the last decade, and is essential reading for anyone who has been bothered by Brexit, troubled by Trump or confused by Corbyn.