Power and the Idealists

This book explores the rise of the 1968 generation to power, examining the tension between their idealism and political realities.

In Power and the Idealists, the author examines the transformative journey of the generation that rose to prominence in 1968. This era was marked by student uprisings across the globe, from the streets of America to the heart of Europe. These protests were not just spontaneous events; they represented a collective disillusionment with politics, exposing the corrupt nature of democratic capitalism and the moral dilemmas posed by military interventions. The ideals of this generation, once characterized by radicalism and a quest for social justice, often seemed to clash with the conventional political roles they later adopted.

The narrative unfolds by focusing on prominent figures from this generation, including Bill Clinton and Joschka Fischer. Clinton, who was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of this time, reportedly immersed himself in the pages of this book. Fischer's evolution is particularly striking; once a symbol of radical protest, he transitioned into a key player in NATO's military actions during the 1990s. This duality raises critical questions about the essence of activism, the compromises made in the pursuit of power, and the moral implications of their decisions.

Through a blend of historical analysis and personal anecdotes, Power and the Idealists offers a compelling exploration of the ideals that shaped a generation and the often uncomfortable realities they faced as they navigated the corridors of power. Paul Berman provides readers with a nuanced understanding of what it means to fight for democracy and human rights, even as those very ideals are put to the test in the arena of politics.