Political Theory 101 Clarence Streit and International Federalism
Nov 27, 2025
Discover how Clarence Streit's 1939 push for an international federation aimed to prevent future world wars. The hosts explore his belief that a federal government needs to respond to individuals to curb nationalism. They analyze the practical challenges he faced, like nationalist opposition and the limitations of appealing to peace alone. The discussion raises questions about whether a supranational union can avoid imperial pitfalls while reshaping the political landscape, leading to reflections on the evolving role of nation-states and NGOs today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Federal Union Over Leagues
- Clarence Streit argues a federation of democracies, not a league, is required because only a federal government answering directly to individuals can prevent competitive nationalism.
- He proposes 15 democracies as a nucleus that would inwardly convert much trade and resources into a peace-maintaining Union.
Audience Trumps Good Arguments
- Streit struggled because nationalist opposition and the lack of a mass social movement made federating impractical.
- Benjamin says sustaining an NGO or magazine is not the same as having a politically relevant audience to effect systemic change.
Unit Of Political Analysis Matters
- Streit contrasts units of analysis: nation-state versus the individual, arguing that treating the individual as primary undermines nationalism and protects individual liberties.
- Danny links this to Jeffersonian republicanism and suggests Streit mixes majority rule and rights protections.
