Politics in the modern world is not simply based on the rational pursuit of objective interests; but rather that emotional and spiritual forces are to be found at the heart of political revolutions, totalitarian systems, and media power. The study of this spiritual aspect of modern, democratic politics requires the incorporation of broader anthropological based perspectives, moving beyond the narrow, rationalistic foundations of modern politics, that can be traced back to Hobbes and Kant.

Looking at the relationship between modernity, modernism and the rise of charismatic leaders, Agnes Horvath uses real-world 'threshold' situations - in particular the world wars - to trace the conditions out of which political regimes developed. The excessive focus on rationalism and structure has led to a systematic neglect of uncertain liminal moments, which gave new direction to entire societies and cultures.