Reading Václav Havel in the Age of Trump. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brennan, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Critical horizons. Volume 20:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Vaclav Havel -- sacrifice -- post-truth -- resistance -- Alain Badiou -- Slavoj Žižek -- Georgio Agamben; Critical theory -- Periodicals; 142.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14409917.2019.1563997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-9917

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper explores the explicit self-deprecation in Vaclav Havel's writings in order to outline a unique contribution to thinking about resistance contained in Havel's oeuvre. What Havel offers is a timely critique of messianic political gestures. I will focus on how Havel's self-deprecation offers a subtle but significant critique of western politics which also contains the kernal of a virtue ethics of sorts, instead of a blueprint for radical action. I will also explain the important and related critique of messianic politics entailed in Havel's thought and outline the significance of this critique for the current political climate.