Žižek & Peterson Debate – Happiness: Capitalism vs. Marxism (transcript of opening statement)

Below is the transcript of Zizek’s introductory statement. First, a brief introductory remark. I cannot but notice the irony of how Peterson and I, the participants in this duel of the century, are both marginalised by the official academic community. I am supposed to defend here the left, liberal line against neo-conservatives. Really? Most of… Continue reading Žižek & Peterson Debate – Happiness: Capitalism vs. Marxism (transcript of opening statement)

Hegel on Donald Trump’s “Objective Humor”

Hegel on Donald Trump's "Objective Humor"

What can we learn from Hegel on Donald Trump and his liberal critics? Quite a lot, surprisingly. In his critical account of Romantic irony, Hegel scathingly dismisses it as an exercise of empty negativity, of the vain subjectivity which perceives itself as elevated over every objective content, making fun of everything, caught in “the hither… Continue reading Hegel on Donald Trump’s “Objective Humor”

Act Globally, Think Locally!

Act Globally, Think Locally!

The looming military conflict between the US and North Korea contains a double danger. Although both sides, the US and North Korea, are for sure bluffing, not counting on an actual nuclear exchange, rhetoric never functions as mere rhetoric but can always run out of control. Furthermore, as many commentators have noticed, the weird thing… Continue reading Act Globally, Think Locally!

How did Trump really end up clashing with North Korea? By pursuing two contradictory foreign policies at the same time

How did Trump really end up clashing with North Korea? By pursuing two contradictory foreign policies at the same time

The looming military conflict between the US and North Korea contains a double danger. Although both countries are for sure bluffing, and not anticipating an actual nuclear exchange, rhetoric never functions as mere rhetoric but can always run out of control. Furthermore, as many commentators have noticed, the weird thing is that Trump decided to… Continue reading How did Trump really end up clashing with North Korea? By pursuing two contradictory foreign policies at the same time

We Must Rise from the Ashes of Liberal Democracy

We Must Rise from the Ashes of Liberal Democracy

Donald Trump’s January 20 inaugural address was ideology at its purest, its simple message relying on a series of obvious inconsistencies. At its most elementary it sounded like something that Bernie Sanders could have said: I speak for all you forgotten, neglected and exploited hardworking people. I am your voice. You are now in power.… Continue reading We Must Rise from the Ashes of Liberal Democracy