The Power of Nightmares

The Power of Nightmares compares the rise of two seemingly contrasting ideologies: the neoconservative movement in the United States and radical Islamism. Filmmaker Adam Curtis draws a comparative analysis of these ideologies, placing emphasis on their origins and the similarities shared by neoconservatism and radical Islamism.

The documentary examines the actions of Egyptian theorist Sayyid Qutb, which contributed to the emergence of radical Islamism, alongside those of Americans Paul Wolfowitz and Irving Kristol, and their Leo Strauss-influenced school of thought. This ideology advocates the restructuring of American society through the creation of a mythical enemy.

The Power of Nightmares argues, controversially, that radical Islamism is a narrative promoted by world leaders — particularly American neoconservatives — to inspire and refocus populations following the collapse of earlier utopian ideals. It exposes the fear-mongering underlying the War on Terror and examines how the media have been manipulated into supporting what the film presents as a phoney war and hidden power agendas.