Joshua Mitchell Books

In 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that the rise of democracy would lead to increased isolation and loneliness as nations moved away from aristocracy. This insight, often misinterpreted after the fall of the Berlin Wall, highlights that democracy does not guarantee social connectedness. In America, extensive scholarship has documented this growing isolation. The question then arises: does Tocqueville's prediction apply to the Middle East? While many view the region as rich in familial and tribal ties, a deeper examination reveals a similar trend of isolation. Today, individuals in the Middle East grapple with the tension between strong familial bonds and the isolating effects of rapid modernization, mirroring the American experience. The critical issue, as Tocqueville anticipated, is how these citizens will navigate their feelings of loneliness. Joshua Mitchell, who has taught Tocqueville's work in both America and the Arab Gulf, explores this crisis of isolation in his insightful analysis, drawing parallels and distinctions between the experiences of Americans and those in the Middle East.

America has long embraced the idea of citizens collaborating to create a shared world, but today, three significant afflictions hinder this pursuit. The first is identity politics, which seeks to reshape America by turning politics into a venue for sacrificial offerings, targeting the white, heterosexual man as the current scapegoat. Once he is humiliated, who will be next? This movement embodies anti-egalitarian spiritual eugenics, demanding the elevation of "pure" groups while purging those deemed "stained." The second affliction is the bipolar oscillation of citizens who, at times, feel empowered on social media, only to feel powerless in facing everyday challenges without expert guidance. Finally, Americans grapple with an unnamed disease characterized by an addictive desire for easy solutions that circumvent the hard work of daily life. We seek social media "friends" instead of real connections, opt for fast food over home-cooked meals, and turn to online shopping rather than local stores. Instead of relying on families and neighbors, we increasingly depend on the state to solve our problems. This pervasive disease offers a false sense of relief from labor but ultimately impoverishes us. Despite these challenges, the narrative offers a glimmer of hope for the future.