The Alexander Hamilton Society’s Post

This is my favorite article. It could aid the reader in compassionately evaluating institutions and their actors who are caught up in managing complex circumstances. Being a spiritual and political institution, the Vatican with her popes, notably Pius XII, had to balance their moral principles and their diplomatic affairs when addressing complicated issues. Whereas controversies about their roles persist among scholars critical of Pius XII and his alleged silence on Nazi atrocities, the article discusses covert actions aimed at helping the Jews escape antisemitic persecutions in Italy and in other parts of Europe. These they did while trying to prevent antagonizing Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy on one hand and attempting to maintain fragile peace on the other. The mention of the Vatican welcoming displaced and orphaned Jews on the early days of the conflicts and of the institution providing critical intelligence to Allies during the war challenges the prejudice that the Catholic Church had been complacent on dealing with Hitler. There may be more secrets we do not know about the Vatican and her popes' role during these tumultuous times, and it may be easy to judge their actions in black-and-white. But as humans, we are complex beings. The article presents to us a wider perspective on historical events beyond these misconceptions and prejudices. It may enlighten us enough to dismiss harsh judgements against the Vatican with her popes and instead view them as not only divines but, more importantly, as humans with their limitations and good intentions. https://lnkd.in/g5niPPtZ

Samuel Huntington's book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order I have read Samuel Huntington's book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order for the second time. I have always found it fascinating because Huntington divided the contemporary world into Western, Latin American, African, Islamic, Sinic, Hindu, Orthodox/Slavic, Buddhist, and Japanese civilizations. However, what always catches my attention is that Huntington prophetically outlined a magnificent analysis of "realpolitik" in the international arena and how a true clash of civilizations has been brewing from the publication of this book in 1996 to the present. The author foresaw two potential clashes of cultures in the 21st century. China's rise as a new hegemony would create a conflict with the US for global dominance, especially in East Asia. On the other hand, Ukraine and Russia, which is another fault-line conflict, turns out to be a conflict is a fight between the Western civilizations (United States and NATO) and Orthodox (Russia as the central state). With each passing day, the conflict worsens without looking at a peaceful solution in the short or medium term. I agree with the statements in this book since they faithfully reflect humanity's eternal conflict and how the clash of civilizations can determine humanity's future. What do you think about it? #SamuelHuntington #TheClashofCivilizationsandtheRemakingofWorldOrder #InternationalRelations

This book is a history of Israel's expansionist policies, focusing on the period from the June War of 1967 to the present day. He demonstrates that imperialist tendencies in Israel run the political gamut, from Left to Right. Masalha argues that the heart of the conflict between Zionist immigrants/settlers and the native Palestinians has always been about land, territory, demography and water. He documents how Israeli policy has made it a priority to expel the Palestinians, either by war or peaceful measures. But these imperialist tendencies are not restricted to extremist zealots. The author uncovers the expansionist policies found in Labour Zionism and Kookist ideology. Chapters cover the Whole Land of Israel Movement, Zionist Revisionism and the Likud Party, Gush Emunim and the religious fundamentalists, parties and movements of the far right and the evolution of Israeli Jewish public attitudes since 1967.

"The Catholic Case against War demonstrates how the Catholic mantra “Never again war!” reflects a set of powerfully realistic teachings on war and peace. Over the last five decades, the Catholic Church has emerged as a powerful critic of war and as an advocate for its alternatives. At the same time, researchers of armed conflict have produced a considerable body of scholarship on war and its prevention. The Catholic Case against War compares these seemingly disparate lines of thought and finds a remarkable harmony between the two. Drawing on years of Vatican documents and papal statements, political scientist David Carroll Cochran clearly presents the key elements of the Church’s case against war. Far from a naïve, optimistic call for peace, these teachings are consistent with the empirical research on the realities of contemporary warfare. The result is a look not only at the explicit moral case against war developed by the Vatican but also at its remarkable realism and relevance to world conflict today."

An ancient Greek philosoph posited: War and strife step in when Peace over steps its Hubris. And Peace steps back in when War over steps its. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, a Stoic philosopher, observed: What has happened in the past, will happen in the present. And again in the future. Albert Einstein observed: By standing on the shoulders of GIANTS (in his faculties of science) he was better able to see the entire forrest above the trees. Is fliud human historiography being tested at its 'inflection' moment? Are the geo(regional)#politics of the three (Judeo-Christian, Byzantine and Islam) 'iconoclast' struggles of geopolitical world divisions revealing their alignments? One Wethanchung of... Judio-Christian influenced and underpinnings of #NATO, #EU and Western #democracies (Repubics and confederation of constitutional monarchies, and (former-soviet) eastern-European Republics (#Ukraine, #Moldova) leaning toward #EU and #NATO memberships -- where western #values of moral 'right is might'. And the other emcampment, where Islam and ancient undertows of Bzyantine values now coalesce... #Russia, #China, #Iran (#Syria, #Yemen, southern-#Lebanon, etc.) #Eurasia, #Asia Eastern, Byzantine societies and cultures of authoritarianism (#Autocracies #Oligarghy, Despotism, #tyranny (Theocracy) -- eastern values where amoral 'might is right'. #societyandculture #historymatters #valuesmatter https://lnkd.in/eR4X9dfk

Great article - so insightful! Puts many issues into historical perspective and cuts through much of the misconceptions and false narratives. The Original “No”: Why the Arabs Rejected Zionism, and Why It Matters https://lnkd.in/giy2kzEn

My analysis of the inherent contradictions within the Bolshevik/communist ideology, stemming from its rejection of God and the afterlife, provides valuable insight into the philosophical and ideological challenges that ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Soviet system. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of coherence between a society's foundational beliefs and the values it seeks to promote.

THE CAMBRIDGE HISTORY OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE, c. 500–1492, ed. Jonathan Shepard, Cambridge Univ Pr 2008 - OA PDF: https://lnkd.in/gjgGJrfz Byzantium lasted a thousand years, ruled to the end by self-styled 'emperors of the Romans'. It underwent kaleidoscopic territorial and structural changes, yet recovered repeatedly from disaster: even after the near-impregnable Constantinople fell in 1204, variant forms of the empire reconstituted themselves. The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire c.500–1492 tells the story, tracing political and military events, religious controversies and economic change. It offers clear, authoritative chapters on the main events and periods, with more detailed chapters on outlying regions and neighbouring societies and powers of Byzantium. With aids such as maps, a glossary, an alternative place-name table and references to English translations of sources, it will be valuable as an introduction. However, it also offers stimulating new approaches and important findings, making it essential reading for postgraduates and for specialists. The revised paperback edition contains a new preface by the editor and will offer an invaluable companion to survey courses in Byzantine history. #Byzantine #Persia #Sasanian #Armenia #Islam #Iconoclasm #Italy #Balkan #Crusades #Frankish #Constantinople

The Complexity of Decision-Making and Judgement in Action The Athenians, through a democratic culture, embraced collective decision-making. Despite the dizzying amount of data at our fingertips today--and an increasing reliance on analytics to make most of our decisions, the Athenians relied on and exercised rational decision-making, which in turn created a collective judgment call. The Athenian Assembly (500 members from 10 Greek cities), had a complex decision to make, stay within our cities and fight, or uproot the citizens and fight the Persians at sea. The decision to evacuate the cities was not considered lightly, they would leave behind their homes and land, and their ancestral and religious traditions. As days passed, Athenians debated over the meaning of words provided by the oracle of Delphi (religious sanctuary of Apollo) and gathered additional authoritative information from news across the country. After days of contemplating, listening, and debating, the decision to face the enemy by sea was based upon a previous decision some years earlier. A few years earlier, the city had come into a fortune due to silver being found in a local mine. Two options were placed on the table: 1) spread the wealth amongst the citizens, or 2) build a fleet of naval ships to defend Athens. Again, currently, the vote was unanimous – build the ships. The decision to build the ships would allow for judgments to be placed in an open forum when deciding to fight on land or at sea. The judgments would be heard and considered, but the end collective decision would have the Athenians using their most valuable asset, a wooden wall of naval ships, and the Athenian men standing ready to derail the progression of the Persians. The Greeks would lose the battle due to a judgment call made by another city-state (Samos) to defect from their position, along with their ships. Nonetheless, the Greeks would find their victory at the Battle of Salamis. #history #complexity #decisionmaking  

Great interview, I especially love the story about the encounter between Saint Francis of Assisi and the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade i The encounter between Saint Francis of Assisi and the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade that occurred in 1219 when Saint Francis crossed the battle lines in Egypt to meet with the Sultan. The meeting took place during the Siege of Damietta, a pivotal confrontation in the Fifth Crusade, where Christian and Muslim forces were engaged in intense conflict. Saint Francis, known for his commitment to peace and dialogue, sought to convert the Sultan to Christianity, hoping to end the conflict through non-violent means. Despite the ongoing war, the Sultan received Francis graciously. The exact details of their discussions remain somewhat unclear, but it is believed that they engaged in deep theological dialogue. The meeting is often highlighted as an example of mutual respect and peaceful dialogue between different faiths. While Francis did not convert the Sultan, their encounter is seen as a testament to the possibility of understanding and respect across religious divides. The event had a lasting impact on the Franciscan Order, which later received permission to establish missions in the Muslim world, emphasizing a mission of peace and coexistence rather than conflict. This encounter is remembered today as a symbol of interfaith dialogue and the power of peaceful engagement in the face of conflict. It underscores the potential for respect and understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds. Saint Francis’ journey to meet the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil remains a powerful story of faith, courage, and the pursuit of peace, continuing to inspire efforts toward interfaith dialogue and reconciliation. It is my hope that like the above story, humanity’s lesson’s of peacemaking can be remembered and used to end the many conflicts and existential threats facing us all today. The interview with Columbia University professor Jeffery Sachs attached below discusses some of the economic and political challenges facing the world today. I enjoyed it and found it well reasoned and thought provoking and hope you will too. https://lnkd.in/g_mEcDiM