My very first reaction to the events of 9/11 was that it was the beginning of the end of the nation-state. Not long after, Colin Powell convinced me that the nation was more important than ever. I became a neocon in recognition that America's exceptionalism was real and required some exceptional responsibilities. My conservatism deepened in recognition that amongst American nationals were the seeds of undermining Western thought. But I'm going to put a lot of that nationalism on hold as I examine Philip Bobbitt's 'Terror and Consent'.
I go into this considering The Last ID and networks of phyles - a new kind of class enabled by circles of trust in open, practically random societies.
If this book answers all of my questions, I will emerge as a libertarian.
Recent Comments