In the early 19th to the early 20th centuries, the Ottoman Empire, situated on the Balkan Peninsula, was dissolving. Due to a combination of corruption, economic challenges, and social unrest, groups of separatists began fragmenting the former empire into smaller, more ideologically and culturally homogeneous states. Some argued this was a failure of ideological pluralism. Others view it as a failure of leadership. Regardless, given our current political moment, it is worth asking if the United States is headed to a similar destination. With the divisive rhetoric of the past decade, public opinion in previously trusted institutions has been eroded. The social norms against racist political rhetoric that must be constantly maintained, have crumbled, political violence is becoming all too common, and “deep state” or QAnnon conspiracy theories are sweeping the country. In the perennially quoted federalist 10, Madison expects— even encourages— factionalism to maintain the stable balances necessary to stabilize a pluralistic society. However, this stability is predicated on the suppression of a majority faction. In today’s world, is this still possible? Are Washington’s concerns in his farewell address being made manifest?

 

Geography also plays a role. The “melting pot” philosophy of American culture seems to suggest that cultures and ideologies should not be determined by geographical boundaries. Yet, it seems like ideologies— political and cultural— are as geographically segregated as ever. Some have even gone as far as to say that the States are only nominally United. In other words, that the United States, in many relevant ways is already balkanized. Others may take a more optimistic view of pluralism’s possibility of success. Regardless, it is crucial to ask if a paradigm that even our founding fathers viewed as inherently unstable is worth defending, or if we should submit to the natural terminus of this inherent instability.

Regardless of your position, I look forward as always to hearing your thoughtful speeches on the topic. Please join us Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 at 7:30 PM EST.  Zoom link: https://yale.zoom.us/j/96731985549

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