Jowitt to speak on politics

Ken Jowitt, widely recognized as one of the most innovative thinkers in the field of communist and post-communist studies, will be visiting Oberlin Monday and Tuesday.

Jowitt's two lectures, "Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: A Charismatic Paradigm" and "In Praise of the Ordinary," address the issue of charisma and the politics of responsibility in the modern world. His visit is sponsored by the Mead-Swing lecture committee and organized in conjunction with the sociology department.

Jowitt is also the author of numerous articles and books on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union which have become authoritative texts in sociology and political science courses. In his latest book, New World Disorder- The Leninist, Jowitt discusses the evolution and collapse of Leninist regimes by relying upon a surprising variety of sources, from the Bible to Stalin's speeches, histories of medieval Europe and Sherlock Holmes.

Jowitt's interest lies mainly in what he calls "Leninist regimes." Drawing from Max Weber's work, particularly the concept of "charisma," Jowitt argues that the phenomenon of Leninism encompasses political movements by such figures as Mao, Trotsky and Castro. According to Jowitt, a "charismatic" leader is someone who is able to balance opposing interests within a society. This exceptional leader is, in the eyes of his followers, a superhero.

Seeking to shed light on current and historical conditions in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Jowitt's work explores the relationship between charismatic leaders and their followers. Political events such as repression in Soviet and Chinese society as well as opposition movements and freedom struggles can be understood, according to Jowitt, in the same way Leninism can be understood. Although Jowitt claims that Leninism itself is extinct, he asserts that its legacy remains a powerful force in areas like the Soviet Union and China. The lecture entitled "Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Waston" will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, with a reception to follow at 6:30 p.m. in Rice Hall. The lecture entitled "In Praise of the Ordinary" will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. There will also be an informal meeting with students in King 323 from 12:15 to 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday in Wilder 101.