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donate Summary for Blätter 7/2008
Rick Perlstein
The End of the Conservative Era?
John McCain and the Republican dilemma
America's Republicans have reluctantly accepted McCain as their presidential candidate, but many are now beginning to rally behind his cause. Historian Rick Perlstein, author of "Nixonland" (2008), analyses the Republican dilemma and crisis. He argues that the conservative era is coming to an end.
Mathew Yglesias
The Militarist
How John McCain envisions American foreign policy
What kind of foreign policy does John McCain support? Matthew Yglesias, associate editor of "The Atlantic Monthly", analyses the Republican candidate's guidelines and allies. He concludes that McCain is the neocon's true darling – and the most convincing supporter of "national prestige" since Teddy Roosevelt.
Hauke Ritz
The Global Chess Board
The new cold war of Obama's adviser Zbigniew Brezinski
How would U.S. foreign policy develop under Barack Obama as president? Hauke Ritz, cultural scientist and publicist, analyses the works of Zbigniew Brzezinski, Obama's main geostrategic adviser. According to him, America must expand its influence in Eurasia and confront both Russia and rising China, if it wants to remain the global hegemon.
Mischa Hansel
The Fight over Outer Space
Space is increasingly becoming subject to an arms race, and satellites are developing into potential targets. Mischa Hansel highlights the strategic importance of today's satellite technology and warns about being caught up in a race for new arms – fuelled by both America and China.
Herta Däubler Gmelin
International Criminal Court
Ten year anniversary of the Rome Statute
Ten years ago the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) was founded. Today it is confronted with great expectations as well as doubts about whether or not it can prevent grave human rights abuses. Herta Däubler Gmelin, former German minister for justice, discusses accomplishments as well as shortcomings of the ICC.
Dieter Klein
What Happens with Wealth?
While businesses and capital holders continue to increase their share of wealth, the poor and low-income workers are falling back further – despite the economic upswing. What, then, happens with society's wealth? Dieter Klein, Professor emeritus for Economics and Politics at the Humboldt Universität Berlin, analyses the prevailing "socialisation of losses and privatisation of profits".
Ekkehart Krippendorff
'68 – Moral and Engagement
Today's public perception of "68" is dominated by images of turmoil, street riots and demonstrations. Obviously, massive protests did occur, but everyday political life was meanwhile differed greatly from this image. Ekkehart Krippendorff, Professor emeritus for Political Science at the Freie Universität Berlin, reflects upon this time – and about how he passed on the forms of protest he learned about in the United States to the student movement in Germany.
Manfred Lauermann
'68 – Theory as Reality
The revolt of "68" did not primarily fail because of external pressure, instead it imploded. Generally, the relation between theory and practise played an important role, in particular within the student movement. Manfred Lauermann, who himself actively participated in it, reveals both how theory was partly imagined to be reality, and how it at other times was put into practice. Unnoticed by the actors, a new reality came into being – and a more civilised republic.
Published 2008-07-07
Original in German
© Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik
© Eurozine
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