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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
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The Normal American
Fintan O’Toole argues that Trump’s supporters, despite his disparagement of America, demonstrate a profound confidence in its resilience, viewing his disruptive leadership as a path to restoring imagined national normalcy. The election underscores shifting gender dynamics and societal divisions, redefining the idea of who is considered a "normal American."11-24-2024
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
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
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