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How to Defeat the Far Right

Lessons From Hope Not Hate

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‘A brilliant and challenging book’ GORDON BROWN

From the founder of Britain’s leading antifascist organisation, HOPE not hate, this is an urgent call to resist the forces of extremism on the march in Western societies – and how to go about it.

If you’re shocked and disconcerted by the rise of intolerance and hate, you’re not alone.

Drawing from 35 years of campaigning and journalism, Nick Lowles shows how anti-immigration, antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks have proliferated in the modern world, and how Britain – with the likes of Tommy Robinson and the growth of Reform UK – has been far from immune from far-right politics.

From HOPE not hate’s pioneering campaigns against the BNP in east London to the impact of the ‘manosphere’ and the issues in Netflix's Adolescence; from explorations of the pernicious influence of ‘race science’ and conspiracy theory to the interplay of deprivation and intolerance in Britain’s deindustrialised towns, Lowles entwines his inspirational story with hard-won lessons from decades of activism.

His conclusions – which do not shy away from awkward truths for campaigners – suggest practical ways for the far right to be defeated. And he shares powerful examples – from a participant-led youth club in Hull to Syrian refugees connecting with local people over falafel in Bradford – of finding the joy in showing that, hard as it can seem, HOPE can triumph over hate.

©2025 Nick Lowles (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers
Activists Freedom & Security Organized Crime Politics & Activism Politics & Government True Crime War & Crisis Inspiring

Critic reviews

‘A brilliant and challenging book with very insightful analysis that not only gets to the heart of what’s led to the rise of the far right, but is original in its plan for how to combat this new extremism.’ Gordon Brown

'Lowles’s memoir-cum-manual … is a troubling read.' Guardian

'Lowles has example after example of real-world campaigns, thorny challenges and hard-won insights into what works and what doesn’t. An absolute must-read.' Shortlist

'At turns inspiring, hopeful, and alarming.' The New World

'Lowles’ prescription … is surely correct.' Jewish Chronicle

‘Nick Lowles delivers a powerful and timely warning: when economic hope disappears, intolerance takes its place. But he also reminds us that when we come together across our differences we can win real, positive change.’ Paul Nowak, General Secretary TUC

‘There are few people who understand better than Nick what is going on within the well-organised groups that seek to undermine our social fabric. And crucially he discusses what must be done about it.’ Alison Phillips, former Daily Mirror editor

‘The work of HOPE not hate is so vital. The lessons about what works in fighting hate are so well set out by Nick Lowles in this brilliant book. His findings are rightly challenging, but they must not be ignored.’ Enver Solomon, CEO Refugee Council

‘Nick Lowles has been at the coalface of fighting hate in all its forms for decades. No one else has more knowledge or expertise in how to defeat hatred. An essential read.’ Akeela Ahmed, CEO of British Muslim Network

‘Offers a very, very detailed account of how Nick has fought campaign after campaign in different areas.’ Krishnan Guru-Murthy

‘There is no one in Britain today who better understands the threat of the Far Right, the rise of Reform UK, and how to bring our communities and country back together.’ Ros Wynne-Jones, Daily Mirror

‘A source of hope and inspiration.’ Paul Mason

‘Hnh's work is indispensable.’ Angela Saini

'Brilliant.' Adam Bienkov

All stars
Most relevant
Book content is 5 star, audible performance is bizarre. Why is it so dramatic? Why does a second male voice randomly come in to sentences and words?! Truly the worst audible performance I’ve heard, which is a massive shame given how great and important the actual book content is.

But and read the physical book

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Reading this book will give you hope, and inspiration. The author and the organisation, through their years of campaigning and community engagement have insights that liberals and progressives need to gain if we want to connect with all the communities in our nation.

An important book.

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I have had to stop listening as I’ve found the narration to be unlistenable. The beginning of most sentences are read in a booming, dramatic voice and then tail off. I found myself not following the story but listening to the actor’s voice. Such a shame as the book is very well written.

Poor narration

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Everyone who uses fear and division as their message wants everyone who believes in hope and love to shut down but this book shows with great examples what can be achieved by those who will not be bullied into silence. Nick has a great deal of humility about what hasn’t worked also which is extremely refreshing. A very interesting book written by a passionate human being.

Hope has strategies

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