The Holberg Debate 2018: "Politics and Affects: The Dynamics of Social Mobilization"

Holberg Prize・2 minutes read

The Holberg Debates aim to elevate academic fields without Nobel Prizes and celebrate Ludwig Holberg's birthday. The event features panelists discussing global entanglement, technological advancements, and challenges to democracy and human rights.

Insights

  • The Holberg Debates aim to elevate academic fields like arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology, where there are no Nobel Prizes, to raise societal awareness of their importance.
  • Achille Mbembe discusses the negative emotions and actions towards strangers in today's society, emphasizing the rise of borders globally and the reshaping of human subjects, knowledge, and democracy by technological advancements.
  • George Galloway advocates for Palestinian rights and opposes the Iraq war, highlighting the importance of theory guiding practice in political movements and critiquing globalized capitalism's exploitation and wealth disparity.
  • The future of the planet is intertwined with Africa, requiring long-term strategies, global interconnectedness, and a focus on addressing pressing issues like racism and inequality through strategic relationships and alternative economic models.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Holberg Debates and its purpose?

    The Holberg Debates are an annual event organized by the Holberg Prize in collaboration with various organizations to elevate academic fields like arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology. The aim is to raise societal awareness of their importance, especially in areas where there are no Nobel Prizes.

  • Who are the panelists at the Holberg Debate 2018?

    The event features panelists like Herschel member Kathleen Cleaver, George Galloway, and moderator Martine Dennis. Martine Dennis, a principal presenter, will lead the discussions at the Holberg Debate 2018.

  • What topics are discussed by Achille Mbembe at the Holberg Debate?

    Achille Mbembe, a historian, philosopher, and post-colonialist, discusses the concept of "resist effect" and the current global entanglement marked by fast capitalism, soft power warfare, and technological advancements intensifying connections worldwide. He also addresses the rise of borders, fortifications, and concerns about the commodification of life and power dynamics between humans and technology.

  • Who are the key figures in the Black Panther Party?

    Huey Newton and Bobby Seale played significant roles in the Black Panther Party, with Newton becoming the Minister of Defense and Seale the chairman. Eldridge Cleaver, a charismatic figure, was pursued for a merger by the party, and Stokely Carmichael led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

  • What are the key points discussed by George Galloway at the Holberg Debate?

    George Galloway, a Member of Parliament advocating for Palestinian rights, spoke about the importance of theory guiding practice in political movements. He highlighted the resistance of the Vietnamese and Iraqi people against war, criticized wealth disparity, and emphasized the importance of class identity in uniting against exploitative systems.

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Summary

00:00

Holberg Debates: Elevating Academic Fields and Society

  • The Holberg Debates are an annual event organized by the Holberg Prize in collaboration with the Norwegian Pen, the University of Bergen, and the Fritt Ord Foundation.
  • The Holberg Prize aims to elevate academic fields like arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology, where there are no Nobel Prizes, to raise societal awareness of their importance.
  • Named after Ludwig Holberg, a playwright and professor, the Holberg Prize celebrates his birthday on December 3rd, marking 334 years since his birth.
  • The event features panelists like Herschel member Kathleen Cleaver, George Galloway, and moderator Martine Dennis.
  • Martine Dennis, a principal presenter, will lead the discussions at the Holberg Debate 2018.
  • The first panelist, Achille Mbembe, is a historian, philosopher, and post-colonialist known for his work on African societies, modernity, race, and racism.
  • Mbembe discusses the concept of "resist effect," highlighting the negative emotions and actions towards strangers in today's society.
  • He also addresses the current global entanglement, marked by fast capitalism, soft power warfare, and digital technologies intensifying connections worldwide.
  • Mbembe emphasizes the rise of borders and fortifications globally, leading to increased racial violence and control over movement.
  • Technological escalation, with advancements in genetic research, algorithms, and big data, is reshaping human subjects, knowledge, and democracy, raising concerns about the commodification of life and the shift in power dynamics between humans and technology.

41:29

"Rise of Algorithmic Structures in Contemporary Society"

  • Algorithmic structures are considered the only valuable knowledge today due to the merging of knowledge, computation, and markets.
  • Content is now accessible to those without anything to sell or buy, or to non-purchasable items.
  • The concept of a rational subject capable of choice is being replaced by the consumer.
  • Contemporary computational technologies have unintentionally become tools for spreading micro-fascism.
  • Finance capitalism and technological advancements have left many individuals feeling destroyed and fearful of continuous violence.
  • There is a desire for a return to certainty, sacredness, hierarchy, religion, and tradition among those affected.
  • The belief in a need for a violent struggle to restore masculinity and virility is prevalent.
  • Political entrepreneurs are increasingly appealing to those feeling like losers or destroyed by globalization.
  • Politics is shifting towards suspicion and mistrust, with facts losing importance.
  • Neoliberalism has led to a fusion between humans and objects, potentially endangering freedom, emancipation, and democracy.

01:01:33

Black Panther Party leadership and trials.

  • Huey Newton and Bobby Seale decided the leadership roles in the Black Panther Party through a coin flip, with Newton becoming the Minister of Defense and Seale the chairman.
  • The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, led by Stokely Carmichael, attracted attention for its work in civil rights.
  • Eldridge Cleaver, a charismatic figure, was pursued by the Black Panther Party for a merger, which he declined.
  • Huey Newton's arrest after a confrontation with police led to a trial that mobilized support for the Black Panther Party.
  • Eldridge Cleaver and the narrator got engaged and eventually agreed to marry, despite initial reluctance.
  • The narrator supported the civil rights movement financially by convincing her father to send her money.
  • The trial of Huey Newton, defended by Charles Garry, led to demonstrations and support rallies.
  • The Black Panther Party's popularity grew due to its ability to mobilize and challenge the state in a cheerful manner.
  • George Galloway, a controversial figure, has been a Member of Parliament for nearly 30 years, advocating for Palestinian rights and opposing the Iraq war.
  • Galloway's background as a tire factory worker contrasts with the academic setting of the Holberg debate, where he spoke about the importance of theory guiding practice in political movements.

01:20:06

Activism Against War and Exploitation

  • The speaker's early activism was inspired by the heroic people of Vietnam, leading to a movement against the war in Iraq and dedication to the Palestinian cause.
  • The resistance of the Vietnamese people against the American war in Vietnam was a pivotal moment in the speaker's activism.
  • The speaker's belief in rising against a system that perpetuates endless war and exploitation drove their activism.
  • The speaker highlights the changing faces of monsters in power, referencing Donald Trump and Richard Nixon.
  • The resistance of the Iraqi people played a crucial role in driving out British and American forces from Iraq.
  • The speaker's prediction to Tony Blair about the Iraqi people's determination to fight against occupation came true.
  • The speaker emphasizes the exploitation and war perpetuated by the globalized capitalist system.
  • The speaker criticizes the extreme wealth disparity, exemplified by Jeff Bezos, and the exploitation of workers.
  • The speaker stresses the importance of class identity in uniting against the exploitative capitalist system.
  • The speaker discusses the immorality of world leaders cozying up to oppressive regimes like Saudi Arabia, highlighting the system's moral bankruptcy.

01:44:51

"Trump, Obama, Brexit, and Identity Politics"

  • Fascism is distinct from extreme populism and white nationalism, as seen in the case of Trump.
  • Obama's presidency led to a sense of possibility and excitement, contrasting with the demoralization and negativity felt under Trump.
  • The rise of Trump and Brexit reflects a shift towards identity politics and a disillusionment with traditional politics.
  • Popular sovereignty is proposed as an alternative to failing liberal democracy for more representative governance.
  • Economic democracy is advocated for, highlighting the lack of economic control for many individuals.
  • The conflict in the Middle East is attributed to colonialism and ethno-nationalism rather than religious differences.
  • The Trump administration's proposed solution for the Middle East conflict is met with skepticism.
  • Social media has revolutionized activism, as seen in movements like the Arab Spring and the Black Panthers.
  • The Black Panthers aimed for institutional change but faced challenges in sustaining their impact.
  • Black Lives Matter is viewed as too peaceful and polite, lacking the vigor needed for substantial change.

02:03:44

"Technology, racism, education, and global interconnectedness"

  • Technology is evolving to the point where it is shaping a new type of human, one heavily reliant on devices that alter emotions and behaviors.
  • The impact of technology can be both positive and negative, depending on how it is utilized, as seen in the case of a viral video leading to positive action.
  • The treatment of black men in the U.S. is deeply rooted in systemic racism, with mass incarceration serving as a modern form of slavery.
  • Education plays a crucial role in combating racism, with poor education contributing to victimization and marginalization.
  • Changes in laws, like allowing felons to vote, can lead to political shifts and opportunities for societal change.
  • The importance of changing mindsets and behaviors, particularly in combating racism, is highlighted by the example of a boxer seeking to reform a perpetrator.
  • The future of the world is intertwined with Africa, where demographic shifts and climate change dynamics are significant.
  • African countries are navigating complex relationships, such as with China, to leverage opportunities and establish new forms of engagement.
  • The movement of people and the abolition of colonial boundaries in Africa are crucial for promoting mobility and unity within the continent.
  • Long-term strategies and a focus on global interconnectedness are essential in shaping the future of the planet and addressing pressing issues like racism and inequality.

02:23:49

Investment in Abolishing Internal Boundaries in Europe

  • Europe should invest in abolishing internal boundaries to prevent illegal immigration.
  • In 2015, Europe faced a surge of refugees, mainly from war-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
  • The actions of companies like Shell in Nigeria have made life unlivable for many.
  • Social progress, justice, and prevention of wars require more than just parliamentary politics.
  • Direct action is crucial due to societal polarization hindering collaboration.
  • The rise of populism and nationalism can be linked to the failure of big business and globalized capitalism.
  • The EU represents the political elite that many are rebelling against.
  • Africa needs to shape its relationship with China strategically to avoid neocolonialism.
  • Alternative economic models in Africa face challenges due to potential backlash.
  • Building a coalition in Africa to shape a strategic relationship with China is essential for economic development.

02:45:48

"Radical care for democracy and environment"

  • Ferran's life and work were centered around the idea of caring, repairing, and providing care for what has been broken by political or military powers, a key aspect of the black radical tradition.
  • The future of the planet relies on extending care not only to humans but to all inhabitants of the earth, including nonhumans, to ensure democracy's survival.
  • The urgency of taking action within the next two to three years to address environmental issues is highlighted, with a focus on countering the capitalist model's profit-driven approach.
  • The need for land redistribution in South Africa to fulfill constitutional promises and the Freedom Charter is emphasized, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
  • Decolonization and memory are subjects of contestation, with younger generations seeking radical political transformation to address past injustices.
  • The philosophy of the Enlightenment, particularly the universal right to hospitality, is seen as a potential foundation for a new ethics of mobility, especially in Africa, to benefit both the continent and humanity at large.
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