POSC

The third of the three papers required in this course is due on Friday, December 3. (This is

two days later than what’s on the syllabus.) Your TA will give you details about handing it in.

The Essay Topic:

Our course readings from 11/5 to 11/24 concern democracy and its prospects. A theme

shared by several writers, from Aristotle to Levitsky and Ziblatt, is that democracies work best

when there’s solidarity and cohesion—and even ties of friendship—among citizens and leaders

in a political community. How do writers make this argument, and is it persuasive?

Please write a thesis driven essay on this topic of about 1600 to 2100 words. You should

support your thesis with evidence and reasoning, and you should also show an awareness of

class sessions, discussion sections, and the full range of readings assigned from 11/5 to 11/24.

In writing your essay, you should certainly discuss Aristotle’s Politics, How Democracies Die,

and In the Ruins of Neoliberalism. You’ll doubtless wish to consider some things assigned.

A Background Note:

This topic isn’t terribly complex. Aristotle praises middle classes. Levitsky and Ziblatt place

great emphasis on “mutual toleration” and “forbearance.” Wendy Brown’s arguments about

neoliberalism are definitely worth considering, as she links neoliberalism to divisiveness and

breakdown—with an “intensifying nihilism,” an “attack on equality,” a “discrediting of the public

good,” and “assaults” on “public education” (p. 7).

As always, you might wish to praise one or more writers at the expense of others—being

sure to argue your position carefully.

The pathological condition of American democracy, with party hatreds reminiscent of the

time before the Civil War, is something you’ll naturally want to consider. You won’t be able to

ignore Donald Trump, but please be careful not to let him dominate your paper.

Some Questions You Might—But Won’t Necessarily—Find Useful as You Develop Evidence:

• Why has American democracy seemed in decline during recent years?

• If political freedom means that people have a right to attack each other, can freedom be

harmful to democracy?

• The theme of race and racial divisions is noteworthy in How Democracies Die. What role

does it play? Do these authors give it its due?

• Democracy seems to work pretty well in Scandinavia. What is it they have that we don’t?

Is it a commitment to political equality?

An Additional Note:

Please remember to attend one of Dylan Rohr’s English 7! As always, since space is limited,

it’s a good idea to sign up ahead of time.