The Power of Nightmares

The Power of Nightmares presents a thought-provoking analysis of how fear has become a dominant force in modern politics, particularly in America and Britain. This three-part BBC television series, created by Adam Curtis, traces the parallel rise of radical Islamism and neoconservatism, drawing comparisons between their origins and ideologies.

The documentary begins by introducing two key figures: Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian civil servant considered the founder of modern Islamist thinking, and Leo Strauss, an American political philosopher whose ideas influenced neoconservative thought. Both men, in their respective ways, sought to combat what they perceived as the moral decay of Western society.

Curtis argues that as traditional political visions lost their appeal, politicians discovered a new source of power and authority: the fear of a hidden, organized network of evil. The series demonstrates how this concept was developed and utilized, weaving together an epic narrative that spans decades and continents.

The first part of the documentary focuses on the origins of Islamism and neoconservatism in the 1940s and 1950s. It details Qutb’s experiences in America, which led him to believe that Western society was corrupt and that Egypt needed to be restructured along Islamic lines. Meanwhile, it explores how neoconservative ideas took root in the United States.

The second part covers the 1970s and 1980s, examining how Islamists attempted to create Islamic states in Egypt and Algeria through revolution and terrorism. It also looks at how neoconservatives gained influence in American politics during this period.

In the final part, Curtis challenges the perception of al-Qaeda as a vast, organized terrorist network. He suggests that after failed revolutions, bin Laden and Zawahiri had little popular support and relied on independent operatives. The documentary argues that the concept of al-Qaeda as a massive organization was partly constructed by Western leaders, particularly neoconservatives in the U.S., to unite their people against a common enemy.

The Power of Nightmares posits that politicians have exploited the fear of terrorism to maintain their authority in an age when grand political visions have lost credibility. It suggests that some threats may be exaggerated or even non-existent, used simply to justify political actions and policies.

Throughout the series, Curtis employs a distinctive style, using archival footage and interviews with various political and intellectual figures to illustrate his points. He draws parallels between the rise of Islamism and neoconservatism, highlighting how both movements sought to combat perceived moral decay in society through radical means.