What should American policies be toward liberated countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan, or rogue states like North Korea and Iran? What must be done to protect America from nuclear terrorism? The author asserts that providing basic security must be the first priority in all foreign policy considerations.
These essays deal with various aspects of a new, rising field, socio economics. The field is seeking to combine the variables studied by neoclassical economists with those typically studied by other social sciences. The combination is expected to provide a better understanding of economic behavior and the economy as well as society; make more reliable predictions; and be more in line with normative values we seek to uphold. The new field, though, may be less elegant mathematically and possibly less parsimonious than neoclassical economics. Some of my ideas on this subject are included in a previously published book, The Moral Dimension: TowardA New Economics (New York: The Free Press, 1988). They also led to a formation of an international society of several thousand scholars who are interested in the field, the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics. The essays at hand are in effect grouped. The first two, previously published respectively in the Journal of Economic Psychology and Business Ethics Quarterly, reflect my most recent thinking. They both have a utopian streak that may stand out especially in these days when unfeathered capitalism is the rage. The first points to people, who far from making consuming ever more their life's project, seek a less affiuent way oflife. It examines the psychological foundations and the social consequences of such an approach.
Amitai Etzioni's memoir recounts his remarkable journey from escaping Nazi Germany to becoming a prominent academic and public figure. After fighting in the Israeli War of Independence, he earned a doctorate and taught at prestigious institutions while advising the Carter administration. As the founder of the communitarian movement, he emphasizes the importance of societal responsibility and caring for the common good. His reflections on fostering a compassionate society resonate across multiple nations, making his story both compelling and inspirational.
Amitai Etzioni presents a compelling argument against the notion that diversity and multiculturalism dominate American identity. He posits that, despite appearances of a fractured society, America is fundamentally more cohesive and unified than commonly perceived. Through his analysis, Etzioni challenges prevailing narratives and emphasizes the underlying social homogeneity that characterizes the nation, offering a thought-provoking perspective on American identity and community.
Exploring the future of international relations, the author proposes a balanced approach that incorporates both neoconservative and liberal perspectives. He asserts that a "clash of civilizations" can be averted and envisions a new global order that embraces Eastern values, such as spirituality and moderate Islam, alongside Western ideals. This perspective seeks to redefine global architecture by advocating for a more inclusive public philosophy that recognizes the legitimacy of diverse cultural contributions.
In The Spirit of Community/i>, Amitai Etzioni explains why the critical institutious of our society are in crisis and show what we can do to restore them.Dr. Etzioni shares his beliefs that many of our problems can be trace to the broad range of individual rights many Americans feels they deserve.
Freedom Versus Security in the Age of Terrorism
The book explores the tension between national security and civil liberties, particularly in the context of the Patriot Act. Following President Bush's call to extend the act's provisions, Amitai Etzioni examines the implications of such legislation, likening it to historical threats to civil rights. He emphasizes the need for a balanced discourse that acknowledges the dual commitments of protecting citizens and preserving their freedoms, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the act's impact on American society.
Exploring the potential for political unity among independent nations, Amitai Etzioni's revised edition delves into the concept of collective self-determination as a solution to an overloaded international system. The book critiques informal governance networks and transnational agencies, including the European Union, emphasizing that a transcendent supranational community is essential for success beyond the nation-state model. With a new introduction, Etzioni presents a compelling argument for rethinking global governance structures.
Amitai Etzioni argues that a society cannot thrive without a commitment to the common good, challenging liberal views on individual rights and civic responsibility. He delves into pressing ethical questions, such as the moral duty to contribute more to our communities, the dual nature of privacy as both a right and an obligation, and the balance between free speech and protecting children from harmful content. Through these discussions, Etzioni emphasizes the importance of fostering a shared sense of responsibility in contemporary society.
Focusing on the evolving landscape of privacy in the digital era, the book establishes a framework for a modern privacy doctrine. It addresses critical issues such as the NSA's surveillance practices, the implications of state secrets being published, and the ethical concerns surrounding DNA usage. By limiting the extent of data collection and analysis, it aims to safeguard individual privacy rights in an increasingly interconnected world.