Ivan Krastev, an opinion writer for the New York Times, and Timothy Garton Ash, a European Studies professor at Oxford, share insights on the Soviet Union's collapse and Gorbachev's legacy. They discuss the fall of the Berlin Wall, the misinterpretations of history, and the rise of alternative governance in Eastern Europe. The duo also examines the roots of populism and economic disparities, and reflects on the future of liberalism amidst rising local movements and the challenges posed by contemporary politics.
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insights INSIGHT
The Fall of Certainty
The certainty of the Berlin Wall's existence was shattered in 1989, highlighting the unpredictable nature of history.
The mistake was assuming liberal democracy's triumph was a new historical norm, rather than acknowledging continued uncertainty.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Experiencing the Fall
Timothy Garton Ash was in Oxford when the wall fell and flew to Berlin the next day.
He emphasizes the East German perspective of liberation, contrasting it with the graffiti-covered western side.
question_answer ANECDOTE
A Lost Event
Ivan Krastev was in Sofia when the Berlin Wall fell, but the Bulgarian communist leader's resignation overshadowed the event.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was more readily understood in the West due to the East's focus on internal changes.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'New World Disorder', Ken Jowitt examines Leninist regimes through the lens of political culture, highlighting their unique characteristics and the implications of their decline. The book challenges traditional views on social change and the influence of Western models on global political systems.
Corruptible
Brian Klaas
The End of History and the Last Man
Francis Fukuyama
In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition[2][3][5].
Free Speech
A Very Short Introduction
Nigel Warburton
In 'Free Speech: A Very Short Introduction', Nigel Warburton explores the contentious issues surrounding freedom of speech, from Holocaust denial and pornography to copyright law. The book delves into balancing free speech with the sensitivities of religious and minority groups and how digital technology has impacted the debate.
After Europe
Ivan Krastev
Out of Control
Charlotte Lamb
Kevin Kelly's "Out of Control" explores the emerging field of artificial life and its implications for the future. Published in 1994, the book delves into complex systems, artificial intelligence, and the interconnectedness of life. Kelly uses the metaphor of the Library of Babel to illustrate the vastness and complexity of information systems. The book's central theme is the unpredictable nature of complex systems and the potential for emergent behavior. "Out of Control" is a seminal work in the field of technology and its impact on society, offering a blend of scientific insight and philosophical reflection.
The Magic Lantern
An Autobiography
Ingmar Bergman
The Magic Lantern is a non-linear autobiography that explores Ingmar Bergman's life through vivid vignettes, covering his rural Swedish upbringing, his work in theater and film, and his tumultuous personal life. The book offers a unique insight into Bergman's creative process and personal reflections, making it as personal and penetrating as his films.
The Light That Failed
Why the West Is Losing the Fight for Democracy
Stephen Holmes
Ivan Krastev
In this book, Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes argue that the supposed end of communism marked the beginning of an age of autocracy. They contend that the drive for democracy in Eastern Europe after 1989 led to a bitter repudiation of liberalism due to the painful process of 'copycat Westernization.' This mimicry of Western institutions and values, especially after the Soviet era, resulted in a deep-seated resentment and a political backlash against liberalism. The authors also examine how this phenomenon is linked to the rise of populist and nationalist movements in both Eastern Europe and the United States, including the Trump presidency. They discuss the roles of Russia, China, and other global actors in this context and argue that Western defenders of liberal democracy need to offer a more realistic vision of world order[2][3][5].
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Following the death of former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev this week, we dip into the archive for a discussion from 2019 when we invited three leading scholars to reflect on the fall of Communism under the watch of Gorbachev, a giant of 20th-century politics. Hosting the discussion is Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us. Brian is joined by Ivan Krastev, opinion writer for the New York Times, chair of the Centre for Liberal Strategies in Sofia, and author of the acclaimed book After Europe. Timothy Garton Ash is Professor of European Studies at the University of Oxford and author of numerous books including Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World.
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