Watch The Power of Nightmares

The Power of Nightmares is a three-part documentary series that explores the rise of political Islamism and neoconservatism during the last few decades of the twentieth century. Written and directed by the British filmmaker Adam Curtis, the series examines how both movements articulated their vision for the future by invoking a sense of fear and insecurity in their respective audiences. The documentary frames the stories of Islamist militants and neoconservative politicians as mirror images of each other, each drawing on a similar repertoire of myths and symbols.

Part one of the series, which is titled "Baby It's Cold Outside," begins with a historical overview of the Cold War era and the emergence of the welfare state in Western Europe. The documentary argues that this period of relative stability and prosperity was characterized by a sense of collective purpose and solidarity, and that the decline of these values paved the way for the rise of political extremism. Curtis traces the intellectual roots of this phenomenon to the work of the philosopher Leo Strauss, who argued that modern liberalism had led to moral relativism and social decay. Strauss believed that a strong state was necessary to maintain order and protect the interests of the elite.

Part two, "The Phantom Victory," focuses on the rise of political Islamism, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots like Al Qaeda. The documentary argues that these groups emerged in response to the failures of secular nationalist movements in the Arab world, which had been unable to deliver on their promises of social justice and democracy. Islamist militants, Curtis suggests, saw themselves as heroes in a spiritual struggle against the corrupt and decadent West. The series explores the role of figures like Sayyid Qutb, who spearheaded the Islamist movement in Egypt, and Osama bin Laden, who became the face of global jihad.

Part three, "The Shadows in the Cave," examines the response of the US government to the rise of Islamist militancy, particularly after the 9/11 attacks. The documentary argues that the Bush administration exploited the fear and confusion generated by the attacks to justify a radical shift in foreign and domestic policy. Curtis explores the role of figures like Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Paul Wolfowitz, who sought to use American military power to reshape the Middle East and spread democracy around the world. The documentary also looks at the political context in which these policies were formulated, including the role of the neoconservative movement and the symbiotic relationship between the media and the government.

One of the most striking aspects of The Power of Nightmares is its use of archival footage and a wide range of sources. Curtis draws on everything from Hollywood movies to obscure academic texts, weaving together a compelling narrative that challenges conventional wisdom about the War on Terror. The documentary is a sobering reminder of the ways in which fear can be harnessed for political purposes, and of the dangers of oversimplifying complex historical phenomena.

Overall, The Power of Nightmares is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most contentious issues of our time. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to question the assumptions that underpin our political discourse. The series is essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, culture, and ideology.