Articles

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 age

Who Controls the State?

Roger Berkowitz's article examines the historical struggle in the United States over who controls the state, emphasizing the ongoing tension between elites and the working classes. He contrasts the Jacksonian approach of centralizing power to empower the people with Hannah Arendt's view that true republican freedom requires decentralizing power to prevent any single faction from dominating the state.

Pickle Time

Is Germany's democracy facing its biggest threat since World War II? As three eastern states gear up for crucial elections, far-right and far-left parties are surging in popularity, challenging the political establishment. With anti-system parties potentially capturing up to 49% of the vote, traditional parties are scrambling for solutions. From neo-Nazi rhetoric to Stalin admirers, the political landscape is shifting dramatically. Could these September elections determine not just regional governance, but the fate of Europe's economic powerhouse? Join us as we delve into Germany's "pickle time" politics and the looming crisis that has experts warning: democracy is under attack. Germany's "pickle time" politics and the looming crisis has experts warning: democracy is under attack.