Examines the rise of anti-semitism in Central and Western European Jewish history in the 19th century, European colonial imperialism from 1884 to World War I, and the institutions and operations of totalitarian movements and governments.

Pt. 1. Anti-semitism. Anti-semitism as an outrage to common sense ; The Jews, the nation-state, and the birth of anti-semitism ; The Jews and society ; The Dreyfus Affair -- pt. 2. Imperialism. The political emancipation of the bourgeoisie ; Race-thinking before racism ; Race and bureaucracy ; Continental imperialism : the pan-movements ; The decline of the nation-state and the end of the rights of man -- pt. 3. Totalitarianism. A classless society ; The totalitarian movement ; Totalitarianism in power ; Ideology and terror : a novel form of government.