Intellectual tools for analysis: the importance of theory for understanding a confusing world
During the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, the world’s elite comes together to discuss the state of the global order. In this masterclass, we will use recent speeches by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Mark Carney (click the links to read the speeches) as a starting point to explore the importance of ideas and of theory for understanding the world.
In their speeches, Macron and Carney mention multilateralism, the rule of law, power, and the values that shape global politics. They also make an interesting observation: the world does not need to be shaped by bullying or aggression, but by respect and shared values.
This session will explore why ideas and values matter, and how theory gives us the tools to make sense of a complex and often confusing world. You will see how the same global events can be understood in very different ways — and why developing your own way of thinking about the world matters. Ultimately, this masterclass will encourage you to think critically about the world around you — and about the role your ideas and choices play in shaping the future.
Professor Ilan Zvi Baron
Ilan Zvi Baron is a Professor of International Political Theory in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, where he is also Director of the Centre for the Study of Jewish Culture, Society and Politics. His research concerns how we experience international politics in our everyday lives and he has published on a range of topics including post-truth politics, democracy, identity and security, the international politics of cookbooks, the Jewish Diaspora’s relationship with Israel, and just war. He is currently working on a project that combines political theory, philosophy, and dystopian fiction in an examination of what it means to be responsible.