In this incisive and timely work, poet and literary critic Adam Kirsch critically examines the concept of "settler colonialism," a framework increasingly used to delegitimize nations like Israel and the United States. Kirsch argues that this ideology, while rooted in historical contexts such as North America and Australia, has been adapted to portray modern democratic states as inherently illegitimate, thereby justifying hostility and violence against them.

Kirsch contends that the settler colonialism narrative offers a bleak worldview, interpreting history as a series of brutalities and envisioning the future through fantasies of retribution. He warns that this perspective not only distorts historical realities but also fosters a moral framework where violence is seen as virtuous, particularly in the context of anti-Israel sentiments.

Published in 2024, this 160-page volume is a concise yet profound exploration of a dominant ideology in contemporary discourse. Kirsch's analysis is essential reading for those interested in political theory, Middle Eastern affairs, and the challenges facing liberal democracies today.