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Temptations of Tyranny
Rod Dreher’s conflicted support for President Trump illustrates a broader crisis among intellectual conservatives who fear the "soft totalitarianism" of liberal institutions yet embrace the hard authoritarianism of executive overreach. Drawing on Hannah Arendt’s political thought, the essay contends that true freedom is preserved not through charismatic leaders but through the multiplication and decentralization of citizen power. Revitalizing democracy, it argues, requires stubborn, local acts of collective governance rather than the dangerous temptation to concentrate authority in a single figure.04-27-2025
Articles
A Carnival of Destruction
The elite's complicity in mass movements lies in their thrill at unmasking societal hypocrisy, yet this descent into shamelessness fuels a carnival of destruction that empowers mob rule. Straddling the line between boldness and brazen disregard, figures like Trump and Musk embody the seductive but corrosive allure of totalitarian nihilism.11-17-2024
Elite Failure
Discover why Donald Trump’s political comeback is more than just another election win—it's the embodiment of a powerful movement fueled by everyday Americans demanding real change. This article dives deep into the growing resentment toward an elite establishment and uncovers how Trump has harnessed a collective sense of frustration and urgency, reshaping American politics as he challenges the power of longstanding institutions.11-10-2024
Voting, Again, With Everything Seemingly On the Line
This article examines the intense polarization and fatigue surrounding the upcoming election, focusing on the deep divisions between political factions in the United States. It highlights the dangers posed by a potential second term for Donald Trump, considering his influence over followers more loyal to him than to democratic institutions. The piece underscores the need for genuine dialogue and public engagement to bridge divides and suggests that despite profound disagreements, standing up for shared values is essential to sustaining democracy.11-02-2024
On Marxism and Anti-Colonialism, and Everything in Between
Discover the first issue of *Clocked Out*, a groundbreaking new journal founded by Bard alumni Fiona Miller and Zoe Laris-Djokovic! In this insightful conversation, they delve into the evolution of political ideologies, exploring shifts from Marxism to anti-colonialism and examining their impacts on education, activism, and intellectual life. This dialogue captures a dynamic perspective on today’s ideological landscape, blending deep analysis with fresh voices from the Bard community.11-02-2024
Fearless Speech
Explore "Fearless Speech," where Senior Fellow at the Hannah Arendt Center, Allison Stanger, alongside Jaron Lanier and Audrey Tang, unveils a transformative approach to Section 230, proposing a balanced path to curb viral harm while safeguarding free expression in the digital age.11-02-2024
The Danger in a Second Trump Presidency
Trump’s behavior threatens democracy not by outright authoritarianism but by subtly eroding trust and truth, undermining public faith in institutions and factual reality. This destabilizes democratic values from within, fostering a cynicism that weakens accountability and leaves democracy vulnerable to decay.10-27-2024
Tribalism & Cosmopolitanism
A talk given by Roger Berkowitz at “Tribalism and Cosmopolitanism: How Can We Imagine a Pluralist Politics.” Sponsored by the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities at Bard College.10-20-2024
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