Terror and Liberalism
Will be published approx. on 22. June 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
242 pages
978-0-393-32555-3 (ISBN)
Description
One of our most brilliant public intellectuals, Paul Berman has spent his career writing on revolutionary movements and their totalitarian aspects. Here he argues that, in the terror war, we are not facing a battle of the West against Islam-a clash of civilizations. We are facing, instead, the same battle that tore apart Europe during most of the twentieth century, only in a new version. It is the clash of liberalism and its enemies-the battle between freedom and totalitarianism that arose in Europe many years ago and spread to the Muslim world.
The author considers the wars against fascism and communism from the past, and draws cautionary lessons. But he also draws from those past experiences a liberal program for the present-a program that departs in fundamental respects from the policies of the Bush administration.
The author considers the wars against fascism and communism from the past, and draws cautionary lessons. But he also draws from those past experiences a liberal program for the present-a program that departs in fundamental respects from the policies of the Bush administration.
Reviews / Votes
"Breaks its bounds....As a thinker [and] as a writer, Berman begins to cast a spell." -- Bookforum "Brilliant, stirring." -- Dallas Morning News "Full of good, smart moments." -- Kirkus Reviews "An accomplished intellectual history....This book has insights for everyone across the political spectrum who seeks a better understanding of the present danger." -- National Review "One of the most challenging accounts of the post-9/11 world." -- New York Times "Berman makes a compelling case." -- New York Times Book Review "A compelling [and] powerful book." -- Newsletter of the Social Democrats USA "Berman connects the dots of world fascism...Policymakers everywhere should bone up on his discoveries and take heed." -- Philadelphia Inquirer "Berman is one of the most elegant and provacative thinkers to emerge from America's New Left." -- Salon "An achievement...practical, yet analytical." -- The Nation "There is much to admire in Berman's book....[a] valuable contribution." -- The New York Review "A damning indictment of bad leftism...a smart [and] honest book that should be read." -- The Weekly Standard "An engaging, delusion-busting history primer." -- Village Voice "Wonderfully rich and illuminating." -- Wall Street Journal "Berman's book is penetrating, insightful, honest, erudite...it is always intense." -- Washington Monthly "Forceful and persuasive." -- Washington Post Book WorldMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 208 mm
Width: 142 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
231 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-393-32555-3 (9780393325553)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Paul Berman writes about politics and literature for The New Republic, the New York Times Book Review, and other magazines. His books have been translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New York City.