 | Glorious Causes: The Irrationality of Capitalism, War and Politics Subjects: Politics & International Relations; Social Sciences; Comparative Politics; Sociology & Social Policy; International Relations; Political Philosophy; Political Behavior and Participation; U.S. Politics; Foreign Policy; Political Ideologies; Social Movements; American Political Economy; Historical Sociology; Political Sociology; Social Policy; Drawing on historical cases of the American South before and after the Civil War, Europe - especially Germany - between the world wars, and the United States in Vietnam and its aftermath, this book takes a historical approach to explain the problems of capitalism and democratic leadership in western democracies today. Capitalism's contradictions often have produced a cultural divide. One side, "cosmopolitans" - urban, see themselves as citizens of the world, not one region or country - identify as secular, preach multi-culturalism, entertain state welfare systems, and are cautious about going to war. Their opponents, "traditionalists," breed among people who feel left behind, anxiousness and insecurity, often embracing community, tradition, God and family. The devastation of the world wars and the Third Reich led Europe to forgo visions of empire, militarism and glory and focus upon improving the quality of life for their own citizens. Although the United States does not need to experience comparable trauma, they should follow Europe's example- forget glory and instead build a better life for the American people. The last chapter will consider how such a change could emerge in the US and who might help fight for it. Yale R. Magrass is Chancellor Professor of Sociology/Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He is the author of eight books and over 60 articles, and frequently makes public appearances and presentations. Charles Derber is Professor of Sociology at Boston College. An internationally renowned scholar and public intellectual, he has written 21 books, translated into eight languages, and more than 100 articles, including op-eds for the New York Times, Boston Globe, Newsday, Truthout , and others. He is internationally recognized, and has spoken on hundreds of television and radio shows. |
