On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel, Hamas and the Future of the West

Israel, Hamas and the Future of the West

By: Douglas Murray

NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Douglas Murray, international bestselling author and renowned cultural commentator confronts what he views as the most pressing issue of our time: why Western support of the Palestinian cause is ultimately playing into the hands of a much more dangerous force.

Drawing from intensive on-the-ground reporting in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, Murray presents a compelling case that places the latest violence in its historical context. He takes readers on a harrowing journey through the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 massacre, piecing together exclusive accounts from victims, survivors and even the terrorists responsible for the atrocities.

On Democracies and Death Cults argues that Israel’s commitment to fundamental Western values – capitalism, individual rights, democracy and reason – has made it a beacon of progress in a region dominated by authoritarianism and extremism. Murray contrasts Israel’s principles with the ideology of Hamas, which openly proclaims its love of death over life. If left unchecked, Murray argues, this misplaced Western sympathy could embolden forces that seek to undermine democratic values and perpetuate a culture of violence.

Clear-eyed and deeply reasoned, On Democracies and Death Cults is a gripping and essential read for all who seek to understand the complexities of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and its implications for the future of democracy – and for the world itself.

©2025 Douglas Murray (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Harrowing Perspective on Hamas

An insightful and invaluable perspective on the most recent flair up of conflict in the region. The book contextualizes the conflict and exposes the ideological perversity

Riveting account of never ending conflict

A complete summary of Douglas' observations over the last few years. This conflict exposes the death cult of the Jihadists.

Informative and very very moving

I was ignorant to much of what I read in this book, and feel like I am far better informed now. My opinions have changed

The interviews

The facts were invaluable for perspective. Thank you for all of it. We need more facts in reporting

Powerfully and surprisingly hopeful

Douglass has captured a moment in history that is so smothered by propaganda and apologists that it is hard to really see the humanity and the scale of suffering. He has indeed done the crucial work of bearing witness to suffering that did not start or end on Oct 7, but swirls around it like a vortex that might suck you into despair at the scale of insanity, ignorance and sheer unfairness of it all. But Douglass artfully finds the silver lining of this dark history and leaves you feeling hopeful that no matter the outcome, this is a fight worth fighting. Choose life.