• The war on terror is more than just another public policy. It is an attempt to make security the highest goal of American life. Our leaders have reduced politics to questions of mere survival, in which even the smallest risks are viewed as overriding threats to national existence. We at Against the War on Terror aim to challenge this view and the apparent need to eliminate fear itself. The preservation of bare life cannot and should not guide our political activity and dominate our public culture. We reject the very premise of the war on terror....Read On
  • The Teach-In Against the War on Terror will take place on Saturday, February 25. It will include the Editors of this blog, as well as Christian Parenti and Corey Robin. The Teach-In is an effort to engage in a serious, extended, face-to-face debate and discussion about the war on terror.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Spring Teach-In Against the War on Terror

The Teach-In Against the War on Terror will take place on Saturday, February 25 at the CUNY Graduate Center. It will include the Editors of Against the War on Terror as well as Christian Parenti and Corey Robin.

We have a number of aims with this teach-in. First, we wish to create a setting in which we can engage with others politically in an intelligent way and on an equal footing. This event will therefore avoid both the standard academic conference format, as well as the passive mass rally in which some charismatic individual preaches to the choir. We want to think seriously about what real political opposition means at present and to have the kind of discussion about first principles that we think is missing from most current debates.

To this end, there will be no extended speeches, nor extensive discussions amongst speakers while the audience stares on in a semi-interested daze. Presentations will be short, pithy statements, after which there will be time for extended debate and discussion. We expect the audience to come prepared to participate in an active way. This event will address a number of issues, and certain themes will only emerge over the course of the day. Therefore, we also request that those attending stay for the whole event: 10:30-4:00.

For program details click here, and to register click here. To guarantee a seat, make sure to register as soon as possible.

The Teach-In is co-sponsored by CUNY's Center on Place, Culture and Politics.