Exploring Power and Politics Today

Sep 16, 2024

Devane Lectures: Power and Politics in Today's World

Introduction

  • Devane Lectures: A series at Yale, open to the public and for credit.
  • Focus: Power and politics over the last 30 years since 1989.
  • Comparison: Post-1989 period versus post-WWII stability.

Historical Context

  • 1989 Berlin Wall: Symbolized the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe.

    • Celebratory atmosphere; East German border opened.
    • Willy Brandt's remark on the symbolic end of Berlin's division.

  • Post-1989 Changes:

    • Democratization in Eastern Europe and countries like South Africa.
    • Conflicts such as Northern Ireland and Israel-Palestine showed signs of resolution.
    • "End of history" concept by Francis Fukuyama: Liberal democracy as the endpoint.

Recent Decades

  • Rise of Populism and Far-Right Parties:

    • Example: Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) in Germany.
    • Growth of far-right in Europe, with examples from Austria, Belgium, Italy.

  • Comparisons to the 1930s:

    • Concerns about parallels with the rise of extremist parties.

Course Overview

  • Central Questions:

    1. How did we get here?
    2. What are the challenges and prospects?
    3. How can we improve political systems?

  • Approach:

    • Use political science and theory to analyze historical events.
    • Consider "paths not taken" and feasible alternatives.
    • Focus on real, applicable normative questions.

Course Structure

  • Five Sections:
    1. Collapse of Communism and Aftermath: Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam.
    2. New Global Order: Democratization, international institutions like the ICC.
    3. End of "End of History": 9/11, state capitalism, global power shifts.
    4. Politics of Insecurity: Financial crisis responses, global governance.
    5. What is to be Done: Misdiagnosed voter sentiment, policy analysis, improvement.

Logistical Information

  • Office hours: Provided by the instructor and teaching fellow.
  • Course materials: Available on Canvas; alternative access via New Haven Public Library.
  • Exam schedule: Options for alternate exam dates.
  • Policy: No laptops/screens in lectures to encourage engagement.

Questions and Answers

  • Coverage of the European Union: Focus on post-1989 expansion and issues.
  • Course requirements: Standard for all students, including graduate students.

Upcoming Topics

  • Next Lecture: Collapse of the Soviet Union and transition to Russian capitalism.

This summary aims to encapsulate the key themes, historical contexts, and logistical details of the lecture series, providing a roadmap for the course's exploration of political transformation in the past three decades.