Social Science Research Council

The Iraq War, Abu Ghraib — Craig Calhoun says that such topics continue to surface in conversations he has had with people he encountered on his recent travels to Morocco, Brazil and various European countries. But most people realize the difference between the American people and the current U.S. government. Despite his sense that the Bush administration has hastened the decline of the U.S. as a superpower, many non-Americans are hopeful about the upcoming election, thinking it may harbor a new era of leadership. Calhoun speculates that anti-Americanism, while widespread, is not irreparable.

 

 Societas #5 - Aug. 1, 2008 [18:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In another conversation with Paul Price, Craig Calhoun continues his analysis of supposedly irrational factors at play in electoral politics. This time they focus on charisma: to what extent is Barack Obama’s unique mix of political passion and a cool demeanor the source of his political appeal? Referring to Max Weber’s model of charismatic leadership, Calhoun notes that Obama has the gift of making us see him as someone who stands outside the traditional structures of government-and therefore someone who can help Americans break the “iron cage” of bureaucracy, politics-as-usual and dominant social roles.

 

 Societas #4 - July 2, 2008 [20:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In conversation with Paul Price, Craig Calhoun continues his analysis of the separation of church and state, this time with reference to a new book on secularism by religion scholar Mark Lilla, The Stillborn God. Calhoun goes on to discuss the Christian worldview that underpins American politics. He concludes by considering whether broad and energetic support for Obama constitutes a social movement. For more on American religion and politics, go to our blog The Immanent Frame.

 

 Standard Podcast [14:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I’ve been urging more public social science for years, but doing it in pretty traditional media - academic articles and essays on the web. My colleagues have convinced me to experiment with another medium. This posting launches a series of podcasts. My colleague Paul Price, the SSRC’s editorial director, is organizing interviews to bring out social science issues related to the US presidential contest. The first episode, “All Politics Are Identity Politics” takes up a theme that became especially prominent in the democratic primaries.

 

 Standard Podcast [13:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download