We discuss the work of American political scientist Murray Edelman, whose work on symbolic politics predates later French theory on the "spectacle".
Clarence Streit and International Federalism
27-11-2025 | 1 u. 41 Min.
We discuss Streit's 1939 proposal for a international federation of democracies to avoid a new world war. We explore the limits of argumentation and the difference between making an argument and doing politics.
Friedrich List and the National System
08-9-2025 | 1 u. 26 Min.
We discuss Friedrich List's many careers, his struggle for a German customs union, his belief that nationalism would lead to the "uniting of all nations under a common law of right", what happened instead, and why.
Vico and the Concept of the Natural
06-7-2025 | 1 u. 22 Min.
We discuss Vico's theory of nature, his unorthodox mix of stereotypically ancient and modern approaches, and how his "new science" seems to be going so far.
Hobbes' Behemoth
06-6-2025 | 1 u. 40 Min.
A whole episode of Political Theory 101 devoted to Thomas Hobbes' Behemoth. We discuss Hobbes' historical narrative and his theory of education, both of which receive little attention in Leviathan.
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