December: International

Session 8: State

Building on our discussions of Nation, we turn now to the State. Defining the state is a difficult challenge, but the readings focus particularly on the institutions of governance that are empowered to use violence—particularly through war. In reading, it will be helpful to think about your own experiences with the state. When and how have you been conscious of state power in action? Why is war such a central component of the American state? How does internationalism reimagine the power or purpose of the state?

Don’t forget to check out the facilitator guide!

Readings

Core Texts

• George Jackson, Soledad Brother, p. 3-33, 251-266, 300-303 (read more)

• Smedley D. Butler, War Is a Racket (1935) in Voices of a People’s History of the United States

• June Jordan Speaks Out Against the 1991 Gulf War (1991) in Voices of a People’s History of the United States

• Lesbians and Gays Against Intervention, “Principles of Unity” (1983) in Remaking Radicalism

• Pledge of Resistance, “The Pledge of Resistance: A Growing Nonviolent Movement for Peace in Central America” (1986) in Remaking Radicalism

• African Liberation Day Coalition, “Fight Imperialism and National Oppression from the USA to the USA” (1977) in Remaking Radicalism

• Angela Davis, “Keynote Speech Delivered at CAAAV’s Fifteenth Anniversary Fundraiser in New York City” (2001) in Remaking Radicalism

Supplemental Texts

• Marilyn Buck, “Remembering a 15 Year Old Palestinian Woman”

• Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin, Anarchism and the Black Revolution, “Anarchist Theory and Practice” (p. 48-69)

Discussion Questions

• Scholars and activists frequently use the term “state violence” to depict persistent forms of political exploitation and widespread abuses of power. In this formulation, who or what is the “state,” and how do we decide? How is the state different from the nation?

• When is the use of force justified? How do we decide? Draw from readings by Davis and the African Liberation Day Coalition in proposing insights.

• Cite common stated rationales for war. How do Jackson, Butler, and Jordan help us situate these claims in the context of ongoing struggles over land and resources?

• Can we envision a world without war? What might that entail? Use “Lesbians and Gays Against Intervention” and “Pledge of Resistance” to make the case.

• Is war about a nation in conflict with outside adversaries or do domestic agencies and officials participate in war? Use at least three assigned readings from this list in formulating your response.