Sir Christopher Clark: Von Zeit und Macht

Sir Christopher Clark, Professor of Modern European History at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, presented his book "Of Time and Power – Rule and Historical Perception from the Great Elector to the National Socialists" on October 24, 2019, at the Kurhaus Colonnades in Wiesbaden as part of the "Literature and Politics" series. The event was moderated by Winfried Sträter, historian and editor at Deutschlandfunk Kultur. The approximately 350 guests were welcomed by Dr. Alexander Jehn, Director of the Hessian State Center for Political Education. In conversation with Winfried Sträter, Sir Christopher Clark explained the foundations of power and rule, how rulers maintain their power, the relationship between power and time, and the resulting historical perspective. In his book "Of Time and Power," he focuses on the Great Elector, Frederick William of Brandenburg, Frederick the Great, Bismarck, and the National Socialists. Clark identifies a clear break with German history in the latter's case. The National Socialists wanted to withdraw from history and dominate the present. Bismarck's policies aimed to cement Prussia's leadership in German affairs and secure Prussia's status as a great power for the next century. Frederick the Great saw himself as a ruler who shaped and influenced his own era, emphasizing that history repeats itself and unfolds cyclically. Following the trauma of the Thirty Years' War, the Great Elector developed a sense of progress. The horrors of the past lingered, but his gaze was directed forward and toward the future, driven by a strong desire to create something new. This sense of the future, which the Great Elector possessed, is currently lacking in society. Clark concluded by stating that a positive vision for the future must be developed, and in doing so, the center of society must be strengthened. After the moderated discussion, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions, which they did extensively. Following the discussion, guests were able to purchase copies of the book and have them signed by the author. The Great Elector's sense of the future is currently lacking in society. ► HESSIAN STATE CENTER FOR POLITICAL EDUCATION DIGITALLY Website: https://hlz.hessen.de/ Instagram:   / hessischelandeszentrale   Twitter:   / hlz_pb   Facebook:   / hlzpb   Mastodon: https://hessen.social/@hlz