Erica Benner Libros

This book counters a range of assumptions commonly held about Marx's views of nationalism and internationalism, not least by twentieth-century marxists themselves. It shows that Marx did not envisage the abolition of national communities or nation states; that the politics of nationalism in Marx is not incompatible with a politics of class; that Marx was repeatedly critical of a "utopian" internationalism, and that the themes of nationalism and international solidarity, far from being necessarily in opposition, can be seen in many cases as mutually reinforcing. Nationalism then emerges in Marxist theory as a form of political self-identification and mobilization that can contribute to the broader project of social and political freedom.

Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Florence, the book explores Machiavelli's true legacy as a champion of freedom rather than the tyrant often portrayed. As citizens strive to establish a republic after the Medici exile, Machiavelli dedicates himself to this cause. Despite his efforts, the Medici return to power, forcing him into political exile. Utilizing his wit and cunning, he crafts a defense of democracy through his writings and satirical works, positioning him as a relevant figure in contemporary discussions about governance and liberty.

'Invigorating . . . essential reading for anyone tempted to be complacent about the survival of democracy in the twenty-first century' Catherine Fletcher Democracy is a living, breathing thing and Erica Benner has spent a lifetime thinking about the role ordinary citizens play in keeping it alive: from her childhood in post-war Japan, where democracy was imposed on a defeated country, to working in post-communist Poland, with its sudden gaps of wealth and security. This book draws on her experiences and the deep history of self-ruling peoples - going back to ancient Greece, the French revolution and Renaissance Florence - to rethink some of the toughest questions that we face today. What do democratic ideals of equality mean in a world obsessed with competition, wealth, and greatness? How can we hold the powerful to account? Can we find enough common ground to keep sharing democratic power in the future? Challenging well-worn myths of heroic triumph over tyranny, Benner reveals the inescapable vulnerabilities of people power, inviting us to consider why democracy is worth fighting for and the role each of us must play.

Erica Benner betrachtet die Anfänge der Demokratie durch die Perspektive einer globalen Frau und Philosophin. Sie beleuchtet wunde Punkte wie Rassismus, Klassenunterschiede und Genderfragen, die sie in verschiedenen Ländern erlebt hat. Benner analysiert historische Vordenker und betont die Notwendigkeit von Demokratie und deren Pflege.