4. Crime & Punishment
Last week, after our brainstorm about
alternative ways to meet the “needs” currently
filled by prisons, I suggested that the only thing
prisons are uniquely capable of is punishment.
What do we think about this? Does a healthy
society need punishment? Can a society that
punishes be healthy?
5. Restorative Justice
From Restorative Practices International:
Restorative Justice (RJ) is an approach to problem
solving that is based around three basic concepts:
● That when crime (or wrongdoing) occurs, the focus
is on the harm that has been done to people and
relationships
● When harm has been done, it creates obligations
and liabilities
● The way forward involves wrongdoers, victims and
the community in efforts to heal the harm and put
things right (adapted from Zehr and Mika, 1997)
https://www.rpiassn.org/practice-areas/what-is-restorative-justice/
6. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
Why are we starting a conversation about
refugees with an analysis of the state of the
nation state?
7. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
Why are we starting a conversation about
refugees with an analysis of the state of the
nation state?
What have we learned thus far in this class
about the origins of the nation state, as both a
form and an idea?
8. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
Dasgupta refers to “national solipsism” and an
“antique faith in borders.” What does he mean
by these?
9. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
What are the historical circumstances that
Dasgupta argues allowed for the heyday of the
nation state’s power?
And what are the circumstances that today are
producing its demise?
10. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
Three elements of the current crisis:
1. Existential breakdown of rich countries
2. Volatility of poorest countries
3. Illegitimacy of international order
11. Dasgupta: Demise of Nation State
Three directions for change:
1. Global financial regulation
2. Global flexible democracy
3. New conception of citizenship
12. War in Syria and Refugees
What is the current refugee crisis, and what has
caused and exacerbated it?
How could we respond, using Dasgupta as a
model?
Or beyond Dasgupta’s suggestions?
