Articles
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A Constitutional Crisis?
Is the U.S. facing a constitutional crisis, or is it all political theater? This analysis breaks down the escalating tensions between the executive branch and the courts—separating fact from fiction and exploring what’s really at stake for American democracy.02-16-2025
Articles
Get Ready for the Arendt Center Confernce!
Roger Berkowitz, Lyndsey Stonebridge, and Uday Mehta joined WAMC Northeast Public Radio's The Roundtable to discuss some of the topics we’ll be delving into at our 16th annual fall conference on Tribalism and Cosmpolitanism this Thursday and Friday!10-13-2024
Real on Some Deeper Level
Hannah Arendt analyzed racism and antisemitism as secular ideologies that use minorities as scapegoats for societal problems, with antisemitism especially rooted in hatred toward the state. Modern antisemitism, on both the right and left, reflects ideological hatred tied to conspiracy theories, distrust of government, and narratives of state corruption, contributing to rising hostility toward marginalized groups.10-13-2024
Another Cosmopolitanism
Roger Berkowitz explores Seyla Benhabib’s critique of Hannah Arendt’s skepticism regarding the idea of an International Criminal Court. Benhabib proposes a vision of cosmopolitan justice that transcends national boundaries, asserting that global norms should apply to individuals within a worldwide civil society. This perspective highlights the ongoing tension between global cosmopolitan ideals and the preservation of local, bounded communities, advocating for a dynamic balance between the two.10-06-2024
Many Friends Came With Us
Despite her rational, unemotional public persona, Arendt's poems—translated by Samantha Hill and Genese Grill—showcase her personal reflections, particularly on themes of friendship and farewells, influenced by her experiences fleeing Germany and other life-altering events.09-29-2024
Impartiality and Objectivity
In Between Past and Future, Hannah Arendt explores the critical distinction between impartiality and objectivity, emphasizing the necessity of understanding multiple perspectives in both art and politics. Through her essays, Arendt reflects on how the dual totalitarian regimes and the Holocaust necessitate a reevaluation of our moral and political traditions, urging us to cultivate the practice of thinking without the constraints of historical norms. This book serves as an essential guide for navigating contemporary political discourse, advocating for a return to impartial judgment as a means of fostering a shared world amidst diversity.09-22-2024
On The Tribalism of Cosmopolitans
In his column, Ross Douthat critiques modern cosmopolitans, arguing they form a tribe of racially diverse yet intellectually and economically homogenous elites, masking their self-interest behind claims of objectivity. He contrasts them with "real cosmopolitans," who genuinely seek out and engage with unfamiliar cultures and perspectives, rather than assimilating differences into global sameness. Douthat’s essay challenges the idea that cosmopolitans are truly open-minded, suggesting instead that they exhibit tribal tendencies, avoiding those who don't share their values or worldview.09-15-2024
When Government Works Its Magic
The article discusses the vital role of civil servants in a functioning democracy, emphasizing that politics is about collective action for a common purpose. It critiques the poor treatment and recognition of public officials, which undermines meaningful political life. The Sammie awards, designed to honor exceptional federal employees, are presented as a way to address this problem by highlighting the critical contributions of public servants, often overlooked despite their role in solving significant challenges.09-08-2024
Finance Capitalism
John Lanchester argues that finance, despite its enormous size and influence on the global economy, is largely useless because most financial transactions do not create real value but involve speculative betting. He illustrates how modern finance, rather than allocating resources efficiently, revolves around speculation on price movements, resulting in a zero-sum activity where no value is added.09-08-2024
Loneliness Unsolved
This article explores the modern phenomenon of loneliness, tracing its emergence as a widespread societal concern and examining its potential causes and impacts. It discusses various perspectives on loneliness, from historical to contemporary research, highlighting how societal changes and technological advancements have influenced social connections. The piece concludes by suggesting that current feelings of isolation may be part of a larger evolutionary process, as society adapts to new forms of connection and community in the digital age08-31-2024