Dan Edelstein

Join Dan Edelstein, a Stanford professor and author specializing in revolutionary thought, as he unravels the evolution of the concept of revolution from ancient skepticism to Enlightenment optimism. Edelstein illustrates how classical views feared the chaos of revolutions, contrasting sharply with later ideas that saw them as catalysts for progress. The conversation touches on pivotal moments like the French Revolution, the cyclical nature of political upheaval, and the lasting legacies of these transformative ideas on modern governance.

Dan Edelstein, Stanford professor of French, history, and political science, traces how 'revolution' evolved from ancient categories to Enlightenment progress. He explores Greek distinctions like stasis, Polybius’s influence, the shift to progress-driven French revolutions, factional purges, Napoleonic technocracy, 1989’s stigma, and how revolutions become cultural playbooks and literary subjects.

Dan Edelstein, the William H. Bonsall Professor of French at Stanford University, explores the intricate history of revolution in his latest work. He discusses how ancient thinkers like Thucydides viewed revolutions as chaotic threats to stability. The podcast delves into the Enlightenment's shift towards seeing revolutions as necessary for progress, with Edelstein highlighting the complexities of modern uprisings and their violent outcomes. He also addresses America's vulnerability to revolution and the delicate balance between reform and stability in today's political landscape.

In this engaging conversation, historian Dan Edelstein, a professor at Stanford University, explores the evolution of the concept of revolution. He discusses how classical thinkers like Plato and the American Founders viewed revolutions as societal threats, advocating for balanced governance. Edelstein reveals how the Enlightenment shifted attitudes toward history as progress and examines the French Revolution's transformative impact. He also highlights the dangers of anti-pluralism and internal regime changes, emphasizing the delicate balance between stability and hope for change today.

Dan Edelstein, Stanford historian of revolutionary ideas, and Javier Mejia, economist of social networks, explore how the meaning of revolution evolved from ancient fears to modern progress. They discuss differences between revolt and regime change. They trace Enlightenment shifts, why the French moment was pivotal, and how revolutions can demand forced consensus and undermine pluralism.