The Origins of Totalitarianism (#1, 2023: The Prefaces)

Roger Berkowitz introduces himself and the session on Hannah Arendt's 'The Origins of Totalitarianism.' He provides a background on the book's publication history, its themes, and Arendt's revisions over different editions. He explains the book's significance and its categorization as a crucial 20th-century work.

Berkowitz discusses Arendt's definition of totalitarianism, distinguishing it from other forms of government like democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny. He highlights Arendt's view of totalitarianism as a system aiming for the complete domination and elimination of human freedom, extending beyond national boundaries to a global scale.

The discussion elaborates on the global ambitions of totalitarian regimes, emphasizing their goal of total control and the suppression of any form of spontaneity or freedom. Berkowitz explains Arendt's belief that totalitarianism seeks to transform humans into predictable, controlled entities, stripping away individuality and freedom.

Berkowitz emphasizes Arendt's call for comprehension as a way to resist totalitarianism. Comprehension involves facing reality attentively and resisting it without premeditation. This section underscores the necessity of understanding and resisting totalitarian ideologies to preserve human dignity and freedom.

This segment outlines the key elements Arendt identifies as contributors to the rise of totalitarianism, including anti-Semitism, racism, imperialism, and the dissolution of nation-states. Berkowitz explains that Arendt's work is not a search for a single cause but an exploration of multiple factors that together create a totalitarian regime.

Berkowitz describes the structure of 'The Origins of Totalitarianism,' divided into three parts: Anti-Semitism, Imperialism, and Totalitarianism. He discusses Arendt's analysis of these themes and her argument that they collectively demonstrate the need for a new political principle to guarantee human dignity.

Arendt's 1967 prefaces to the book's three parts are discussed, with a focus on anti-Semitism, imperialism, and totalitarianism. Berkowitz highlights Arendt's distinction between 19th-century racist ideologies and earlier religious prejudices, and her concerns about modern imperialism and the role of powerful states like the US and Russia.

This section delves into Arendt's view that modern anti-Semitism and racism are ideologies rather than mere prejudices. Berkowitz explains Arendt's argument that these ideologies arose in the 19th century to resist assimilation and maintain Jewish separateness, driven by both self-interest and broader societal factors.

Berkowitz discusses Arendt's analysis of imperialism as an internationalist project driven by the need for power expansion. He explains her concerns about the rise of an imperialist age in the 1960s, marked by US and Russian ambitions, and the implications for global power dynamics.

The rise of secret services and the 'Deep State' as described by Arendt is explored. Berkowitz explains Arendt's warning about the dangers of invisible government structures that prioritize power expansion over constitutional republics' interests, drawing parallels to contemporary concerns.

Arendt's concept of comprehension as the attentive facing of reality is further explored. Berkowitz highlights the importance of resisting the reality imposed by totalitarian regimes through critical thinking and understanding, as well as maintaining human dignity and freedom.

This section focuses on Arendt's assertion that totalitarianism attacks and replaces reality with a fictional narrative. Berkowitz explains how totalitarian regimes create a coherent but false reality, suppressing any facts that contradict their official narrative.

Berkowitz discusses the interaction between power, ideology, and freedom in Arendt's work. He explains how totalitarian regimes manipulate ideology to justify their actions and suppress dissent, and the necessity of political systems that allow for pluralism and debate.

The importance of communication and plurality in political systems is emphasized. Berkowitz explains Arendt's belief in bottom-up politics, where diverse opinions and open dialogue are crucial for maintaining a healthy political environment and resisting totalitarian tendencies.

Berkowitz highlights the role of education and political action in Arendt's thought. He underscores the need for individuals to engage in public discourse, understand their political environment, and take action to preserve freedom and prevent the rise of totalitarianism.

Arendt's views on personal responsibility in resisting totalitarianism are discussed. Berkowitz emphasizes the importance of individual action and the moral duty to oppose oppressive regimes, whether through direct action, emigration, or other forms of resistance.

The critical role of free speech in preventing totalitarianism is highlighted. Berkowitz explains Arendt's belief that open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas are essential for political health, as they allow for the expression of diverse viewpoints and the discovery of common ground.

The concept of civil disobedience as a form of political action is explored. Berkowitz discusses Arendt's views on civil disobedience as a necessary and legitimate means of opposing unjust laws and policies, reflecting the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.