Tag: history
-
Of Sameness and Difference
IntroductionDifferences between humans are omnipresent. Sameness, though rarer, is also in plentiful supply, especially when theoretical concepts like rights are involved. But when do difference and sameness become a normative and political issue? How should we deal with them and what are their consequences? These are the questions I seek to answer in this essay. In this process I will…
-
Compulsory Military Service in Germany
Putin’s willingness to launch a full-on invasion on Ukraine without provocation and sacrifice hundreds of thousands of Russian lives is scary. In Germany this sparked fears about a potential war against Russia which has led to a significant increase in military spending and discussions about a compulsory military service. It is no secret that the state…
-
Property is Made Up
Property, more specifically private and public property are everywhere. Stop right here and think of something that is not owned by anyone. Hard to come up with anything right? Air does not belong to anyone and neither does most of the oceans. Abstract or cultural goods are also often not owned by anyone. Language for…
-
Democratic Realism
The Assad regime has fallen. Now Syria needs democracy. This has been an almost universal demand by western leaders following the victory of HTS and other rebel groups in Syria. In addition, leaders demanded the protection of minorities, usually implying the formulation of a constitution. Whether Syria or elsewhere, it is a reflex by western…
-
What is a Police State?
I am walking from Tahrir Square to my favourite cafe in Cairo called الحرية or Freedom. After no more than a few steps I look up and stand face to face with a police officer in full riot gear. Next to him are two more policemen, rifles in hand and behind them towers an armoured…
World of Youthful Idealism 