Benjamin R. Barber Livres

The book explores the struggle of alpine villages in Canton Graubunden, Switzerland, as they confront the decline of communal life in an increasingly industrialized and urbanized society. It delves into the historical roots of communal liberty, detailing the villages' thousand-year fight to preserve their traditions against external pressures, including feudal hierarchies and broader European political forces. Through this narrative, it highlights the tension between local customs and the demands of modernity.

Focusing on the concept of "strong democracy," the collection presents Benjamin Barber's significant writings that critique traditional liberal democracy's "thin representation." Emphasizing active citizen participation in public debate, Barber explores the interplay between democracy, civil society, civic education, and culture. These essays not only reinforce themes from his previous works but also advocate for a more engaged and participatory approach to democracy, challenging prevailing notions in contemporary political discourse.

Political scientist Benjamin R. Barber analyzes the conflict between consumerist capitalism and religious, tribal fundamentalism, coining the term "Jihad versus McWorld" to describe their powerful and paradoxical interdependence.

"Powerful and disturbing. No one who cares about the future of our public life can afford to ignore this book." —Jackson Lears

"In the face of the most perilous challenges of our time--climate change, terrorism, poverty, and trafficking of drugs, guns, and people--the nations of the world seem paralyzed. The problems are too big for governments to deal with. Benjamin Barber contends that cities, and the mayors who run them, can do and are doing a better job than nations. He cites the unique qualities cities worldwide share: pragmatism, civic trust, participation, indifference to borders and sovereignty, and a democratic penchant for networking, creativity, innovation, and cooperation. He demonstrates how city mayors, singly and jointly, are responding to transnational problems more effectively than nation-states mired in ideological infighting and sovereign rivalries. The book features profiles of a dozen mayors around the world, making a persuasive case that the city is democracy's best hope in a globalizing world, and that great mayors are already proving that this is so"--

The book explores President Clinton's relationships with influential intellectuals, highlighting his charm and the allure of political engagement he offered. Despite his efforts to connect and collaborate, he frequently left these thinkers disillusioned, revealing a pattern of unmet expectations and unfulfilled potential in their interactions.

A pointed argument that cities-not nation-states-can and must take the lead in fighting climate change

Der Text beschreibt die alarmierende Situation, in der Kapitalismus und Fundamentalismus, trotz ihrer Gegensätze, das gemeinsame Ziel verfolgen, den Bürger zu entmündigen und die Demokratie abzubauen.

Ein neues Ethos prägt das Gesicht des globalen Kapitalismus: überflüssige Güter werden in großer Zahl produziert, Kinder zu Konsumenten gemacht und Erwachsene in infantile Schnäppchenjäger transformiert. Zielte früher die Wirtschaft auf die Herstellung richtiger und nützlicher Produkte, so ist die neue verbraucherorientierte Ökonomie darauf aus, Bedürfnisse und Marken zu schaffen. An die Stelle eines demokratischen Kapitalismus ist eine infantile Konsumwelt getreten, deren Pathologien die Freiheit der liberalen Welt bedrohen.