Conversations with History: Sir Ralf Dahrendorf

I appreciate, how Dahrendorf sincerly insists on a real difference between academic institutions and politics -

and the more, I feel astonished about his uncritical stance to a possible abuse of international institutions.

It seems to me as if the fact, that he had experienced the impact of politics on his personal life does not relate to history in general - as a school for policies.

Otherwise he would not call his concept of 'access to opportunity' a liberal stance. The party of Gladstone came to power by oversea trade - and liberalism is therefore about to see economic success reflected in political influence.

To give each citizen of a state equal access to education and profession has much to do with common welfare - rather than with justice alone. It is part of the SOCIAL QUESTION. Until today the thinking part of our youth looks forward to a socialist utopia - which in practice has always ended up in tyranny.

To remind on the classical view on the cycles of constitutions:

a country, that has lost its wealth will instinctively return to a rule of the strongest - and only at their courts philosophers find the support to develope and teach their views.

The history of the Council On Foreign Relations can be interpreted in that classical sense - as it is to be seen - according to Peter Grose - as an alliance of finance, politics and scholarship - elaborating political advice, which evolves from economic interest - and be it only in the unquestioned drive to keep research institutions well funded.

Much of what established scholars publish today appears therefore to be mere propaganda - in favour or in oppositon to particular policies - belittleling opposing views and preparing public opinion - rather than to educate them.

To study the history of the Round Table movement - and their influence on US politics after 1945 - could have brought Dahrendorf to a complete reinterpretation of his life experiences - having witnessed an age, when unchecked political power - reflecting the late stages of hellenism - is increasingly concentrated by a single nation - on a global scale.

Tyranny is only one form of corrupted rule - beside anarchy, there is also OLIGARCHY - and the question remains unsolved if liberty will be ever more than an attribute of the few.

To solve THIS question could be the blossom of the Old World - a purpose beyond European beaurocracy, Westeuropean corporate interests - and military alliances across the Atlantic Ocean.

Such a blossom would once bring desperately needed fruit in the New World - rather than to inspire it further with concepts and technologies of nationalism - and caesarism.

Truly a great mind. Farewell Ralf...