Conclusion

The Conclusion offers a metaphor from the physics of flow for understanding the methodology and substance in this book. As opposed to laminar flow, which has a linear or unidirectional force, turbulent flow exemplifies dynamic, sometimes explosive, variation. The turbulent flow of politics needs an approach that can match its character. It notes that interdisciplinarity was necessary to capture the full measure of what is at stake and what has transpired in the development of post-politics. After discussing turbulence, the Conclusion recaps key insights from the book. And, in the hopes of provoking additional work on post-politics, the Conclusion discusses recent examples, namely Barack Obama’s continued support for My Brother’s Keeper; Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming; 2020 Democratic presidential primary candidate Kamala Harris; and the reaction to the documentary Surviving R. Kelly. The Conclusion pays special attention to the way in which post-politics explains the surprise some experienced at the ascension of Donald Trump, arguing that post-politics is best seen as range of competing fantasies that still vie for public attention and action, all designed to undermine collective efforts at progressive social change. Post-politics is an analytic we need to understand turbulent futures.