ABSTRACT
One of the most significant and distinctive features of new atheism are that it provides a hybrid mix of philosophical elements: reasserting a sense of Enlightenment-based rationality via a postmodern emphasis on issues of culture and identity. This chapter examines some of the key ways in which these elements have shaped the political dynamics of new atheism. Centring on developments in the United States, the chapter focuses on three core areas: the organisational structure of new atheism, its main political goals and strategies, and the challenges faced by a series of internal splits and schisms. One of the main strategic debates within the US atheism movement has involved the issue of 'branding'. A central characteristic of political campaigns here has been the willingness of atheist, secularist and humanist (ASH) groups to utilise the court system in order to maintain the separation of church and state.
