Pauline Hanson is not alone out there. A million votes are in play. Strategists in both Labor and the Coalition are asking, what can we give them? At stake are the progressive hopes of most Australians, hopes held hostage more than ever to the fears - especially the race fears - of old Australia.

This is a riveting essay by one of Australia’s best writers, examining the peculiar power of the fearful in this confident and prosperous nation.