Summary of Lecture 1: Introduction to Power and Politics in Today’s World

00:00:00 - 00:55:00

The lecture discusses the history of the world since 1989, with a focus on how the fall of communism has affected politics around the world. The lecturer uses the example of Europe to illustrate how different theories about politics and society can be tested in new ways when new data is available.

• 00:00:00 In this first lecture of the DeVane Lectures, Yale Professor Stephen Kinzer discusses the 30 years since 1989 and how it has been an incredibly tumultuous period of great change. He discusses the changes that have occurred in just the last three decades, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• 00:05:00 This lecture covers the history of Germany, from 1989-1995, when the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet Union began to lose its grip on Eastern Europe. The speaker notes that, at the time, people were extremely enthusiastic about the change, and Francis Fukuyama's idea of the end of history seemed to be gaining ground. Three decades later, in a very different Germany, people are much more skeptical about the effects of democracy and capitalism.
• 00:10:00 In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD) has been gaining in popularity, culminating in Chancellor Angela Merkel announcing she will resign after 2021. Merkel's decision to step down is a result of the AFD's increasing popularity, which she fears could lead to a new election in which the AFD would do even better.
• 00:15:00 The talk discussed how the establishment parties are shrinking in power, and how this is leading to the empowerment of far-right parties. For example, in Germany, the far-right, Alternative for Germany party, which is made up of primarily refugees, won a dozen seats in the state Parliament. In the US, the far-right, populist, Donald Trump, won the presidency. These events are all indicative of a trend of the establishment parties becoming weaker in power.
• 00:20:00 This lecture will cover the history of the world since 1989, focusing on the events leading up to that year and how they have impacted politics around the world. The professor will use the example of Europe to illustrate how theories about politics and society can be tested in new ways when new data is available.
• 00:25:00 The lecture covers the effects of communism and its abandonment on relations between business, government, and labor, as well as how electoral systems can affect these relationships. Normative questions about how desirable goals might be achieved will also be discussed.
• 00:30:00 This lecture discusses the history of the collapse of communism and the rise of neoliberalism, which has led to increased trade deregulation, privatization, and free trade deals.
• 00:35:00 This lecture discusses the origins and effects of neoliberalism, the global order that followed, and the resurgence of state capitalism. It also discusses China's role in Africa, Russia's resurgence, and business involvement in political conflicts around the world.
• 00:40:00 This lecture series will explore the current politics of power and insecurity, and the ways in which these issues have affected different countries. The course will also focus on how to improve politics in the future.
• 00:45:00 The first lecture of the course covers the history and current political landscape of the world. The course also offers office hours for community members to ask questions and discuss topics with the teaching fellows. The course will alternate exams between December 11th and 13th in order to accommodate students attending different types of classes.
• 00:50:00 This lecture provides an overview of power and politics in today's world, highlighting how Yale's uncapped course allows for more student participation and interaction. The expected course requirements for graduate students are also mentioned.
• 00:55:00 This lecture discusses the history of the Soviet Union, which is explained in detail Tuesday.