The Islamic State, or ISIS, was a grotesque enigma when it burst on the scene in 2014. After conquering vast tracts of Iraq and Syria, ISIS became notorious for beheadings and crucifixions, and for reinstating the practice of slavery. But to what end? What did ISIS really want? It soon became clear that our political … Continue reading A Conversation with Graeme Wood: What ISIS Really Wants
Tag: New Ideal
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”
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
Tribalism is resurging. One of its most obvious manifestations can be seen in politics. Today what seems to matter first and above all else is loyalty to one’s political tribe and its leaders, not the facts about an issue, not the truth on any given controversy, not the right policy to adopt — all of … Continue reading The Virulent Pull of Tribalism
Elan Journo interviews Rob Tarr, a contributor to Foundations of a Free Society, about Ayn Rand’s defense of capitalism and the interplay between philosophy and economic theory. Watch the interview
Elan Journo 