What is “extremism”? Seems obvious, many people would say: just look at the actions of a white supremacist who shoots up a mosque or synagogue. Or a jihadist’s suicide attack. There are many other vicious acts that we commonly label as “extremism,” which one dictionary defines as “the holding of extreme political or religious views.” … Continue reading Why Ayn Rand Opposed “Extremism”
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In 1947, during what some call the “McCarthy Era,” Ayn Rand was asked to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) on the influence of Communism in Hollywood. She appeared as a “friendly witness.” The standard verdict on these hearings, and on Rand’s participation, is unequivocal condemnation: The hearings were an inquisition that destroyed … Continue reading Why Rand Was Right to Testify Against Hollywood Communism
Nationalism is clawing its way back. At a rally last October, Donald Trump galvanized the audience by declaring himself a proud nationalist. Europe, too, is witnessing the growing influence of political parties advocating nationalism. Even as nationalism has entered the political mainstream, it remains intellectually disreputable. But Yoram Hazony, a political scholar, wants to redeem nationalism and … Continue reading The Vice of Nationalism
In three recent interviews, I examined the importance of adopting an individualist, rather than tribal or collectivized, perspective in evaluating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and understanding the Middle East. But the focus of each interview was different. On The Reed Hour podcast, I had a lively conversation with Lawrence Reed, outgoing president of the Foundation for Economic Education, about … Continue reading An Individualist Perspective on the Middle East
When I headed to the University of Rochester to take part in a panel discussion, I had no inkling of the campaign that some students had already launched to shut the event down. The reasons behind their opposition were revealing. In this one incident, concerning one event, at one campus, there’s a telling data point … Continue reading Why Students Protested Event Analyzing Islamism
On June 5, Elan Journo joined Ross Kaminsky to discuss recent developments in the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Jared Kushner's peace plan. Listen to the segment.
The Trump administration is poised to announce a “Deal of the Century” to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hints and leaks suggest that the proposal would stop short of endorsing the goal of a sovereign Palestinian state. That prospect has pushed some into mourning. The Trump plan, writes distinguished American diplomat William Burns, will likely be … Continue reading What Would A Palestinian State Actually Look Like?
https://youtu.be/m-uvXEi4QA0 Tribalism is rampant in other countries. In this talk, Elan Journo explores some of its forms and its role in the subjugation of individuals, the opposition to human progress, and the fueling of violent conflicts. Recorded at AynRandCon in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 4, 2018.
Elan Journo 