Ethics & International Affairs Volume 18.3 (Winter 2004/2005): Recent Books: Desolation and Enlightenment: Political Knowledge After Total War Totalitarianism and the Holocaust, by Ira Katznelson [Excerpt]

Dec 15, 2004

Ana Wertz (reviewer)

Civilization is threatened by a radical evil. Traditional diplomatic methods no longer apply on the international scene, and the duties and rights of the citizen have altered drastically as well. Politics has taken on a messianic strain: leaders talk of a perpetual battle against hidden enemies who threaten the annihilation of our way of life. How is it possible to champion liberalism and democracy in such a poisonous atmosphere? This was the challenge that faced a select group of intellectuals in the aftermath of World War II.

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