Michael Walzer’s book Political action: A practical Guide to Movement Politics could be used as an example of the extent to which insightful literature can generate an impression that history has a tendency to repeat itself. The book was initially published in 1971, right after the American bombing of Cambodia. As the author recalls in the preface to the 2019 reissued edition, this time was marked by a sense of disillusionment with the great tide of activism of the previous decade. Given how relevant the book still is today, one could argue that this feeling of ubiquitous cynicism has never stopped perpetuating itself within the left-wing movement(s). Walzer’s Political Action tackles these issues in a truly approachable yet discerning manner. Although Walzer’s main recommendation to the future engaged actors is to focus their attention on concrete issues and arguments and to acknowledge that this approach does not necessarily lead to grand theories of social change, Walzer’s insights still escape the ever-increasing fragmentation of the public sphere generated by the various forms of neoliberal regimes. Walzer is able to avoid this pitfall by demonstrating an inherent sociability of the encounters that deal with pressing social issues which can ultimately transform the “I” into “We” and generate long-lasting commitments. This is perhaps the reason why this book has aged so well: it asks us to reflect upon the connection of radical change and (practical) acts that a group needs to take in order to remain an engaged group. This seminar with Michael Walzer will address the key insights of the book in light of its enduring relevance for the present moment.

The series Horizons of Freedom has been organized in cooperation with Center for Advanced Studies Southeast Europe.

Michael Walzer has published an article Proportionality and responsibility in the newest issue of the Philosophy and Society journal.