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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
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The Culture of Nationalism and the New Racism
By Roger BerkowitzEarlier this month at the National Conservative Conference multiple speakers sought to promote a “new American and British nationalism.” There was an effort to describe a nationalism grounded in strong national borders, and the superiority of “Anglo-Protestant culture.” Also held up as the roots of American nationalism were constitutionalism, the common law, the English language, and Christian scripture.
08-27-2019
What We're Reading:
The Spirit of Free Speech
By Roger BerkowitzJason Richwine takes on the argument that free speech only applies to the government regulation of speech. Of course, legally it is true that only the Constitution only protects speech from governmental restraint. But Richwine rightly argues that there the culture of engagement requires a broader protection of free speech.
08-24-2019
What we are Reading: Black Americans
By Roger BerkowitzNikole Hannah-Jones is well aware that she is “part of the first generation of black Americans in the history of the United States to be born into a society in which black people had full rights of citizenship.” She writes that while “Black people suffered under slavery for 250 years; we have been legally “free” for just 50.” And she believes that “in that briefest of spans, despite continuing to face rampant discrimination...
08-19-2019
Authoritarianism Around the World
By Roger BerkowitzWith all the craziness going on here in the United States, it is sometimes hard to remember to pay attention to the world. But a number of essays this week remind us that the revolt against elite norms and elite institutions is a worldwide phenomenon. Siddhartha Deb writes about the decision of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party in India to revoke the special status of Kashmir, the only Muslim-majority state in India.
08-12-2019
Gaffes on the Campaign Trail
By Roger BerkowitzJoe Biden made news with another racial gaffe when he said “We have this notion that somehow if you’re poor, you cannot do it. Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.” John McWhorter argues that these gaffes, while problematic, are also indicative of a paradoxical tension around black achievement.
08-11-2019
Teaching Hannah Arendt Underground
By Samantha HillFor the past two days I’ve been teaching Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism for the tuition free summer school program at The University of the Underground and The Hannah Arendt Center, at The School for Poetic Computation in NYC. ..
08-04-2019
A Letter from Roger Berkowitz
When you join the Hannah Arendt Center, you become part of a global community of thinkers, philosophers, and activists dedicated to understanding and loving the world as it is. Please read this special letter from our Academic Director, Roger Berkowitz to learn why your membership is so important, now more than ever.07-19-2019
Democratic Happiness
Roger Berkowitz looks at two essays presenting differing views on democracy.07-13-2019
Gerrymandering and State Power
Roger Berkowitz takes a look at political power in American in light of last week's Supreme Court decision on partisan gerrymandering.06-29-2019