#236 - Amerika glijdt af en Europa staat op! (met Beatrice de Graaf en Stefan Paas)

64 snips

Mar 8, 2025

Beatrice de Graaf, historica en expert in veiligheid aan de Universiteit Utrecht, deelt haar inzichten over de verwarrende politiek in de VS en Europa. Ze bespreekt de angst onder Amerikaanse wetenschappers door politieke druk en de verschuiving van democratie naar autocratie. Daarnaast wordt de opkomst van nationaal christelijk populisme in Europa en de noodzaak van defensieve investeringen besproken. Samen met theoloog Stefan Paas reflecteren ze op de kernwaarden en de rol van Europa in het bevorderen van democratische principes te midden van wereldwijde autocratische bedreigingen.

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ANECDOTE

Angst in Alabama

Beatrice de Graaf ervoer een angstklimaat in Alabama, VS.
Academici durfden zich niet openlijk tegen Trump uit te spreken uit angst voor hun baan.

ANECDOTE

Dreigbrieven in New York

Stefan Paas las over de hoofdaanklager van New York, aangesteld door Trump.
Deze stuurt dreigbrieven naar ambtenaren en rechters die Trump onderzochten.

ANECDOTE

Democratieën sterven van binnenuit

Stefan Paas bespreekt "How Democracies Die" van Levitsky en Ziblatt.
Het boek beschrijft hoe democratieën van binnenuit kunnen veranderen in autocratieën.

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How Democracies Die

Steven Levitsky

Daniel Ziblatt

In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms[2][4][5].

After Virtue

Alistair McIntyre

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

A Higher Loyalty

Truth, Lies, and Leadership

James Comey

In 'A Higher Loyalty', James Comey reflects on his life, career, and interactions with President Trump, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and truth. The book explores Comey's background, his role in significant investigations, and his controversial firing by Trump. It offers insights into Comey's commitment to justice and his perspective on the challenges faced during his tenure as FBI Director.