Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Michael Hardt, who is a Professor or Literature at Duke University. He is the author, with Antonio Negri, of Empire.

1. Background ... college years ... studying engineering ... discovering the joys of a political life
2. Political Work in Central America ... sanctuary work ... two kinds of activists ... learning from Central Americans ... hard questions
3. Linking Activism to the Intellectual Life ... disjuncture ... using engineering skills for practical assistance ... interdisciplinary studies ... languages
4. Learning about Antonio Negri ... disillusionment with political role as U.S. citizen ... Negri's story
5. Collaboration with Negri ... multidisciplinary approach ... logistics of collaboration ... writing in a "third voice"
6. The Ideas of Empire ... "empire" vs. traditional imperialism ... not nation-based ... globalization vs. anti-globalization
7. Theory and Practice ... where practical plans emerge ... more than one locus of theory ... U.S. constitutional traditions as a model for globalization ... constraints of "anti-American" stance ... constraints on U.S. leadership styles

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