Bernard-Henri Lévy

With the creation of the internet and the GAFA, it was commonly believed that society was democratizing truth and giving each person the technical means with which to contribute, boldly but modestly, to the adventures of knowledge. Instead, the web became free-for-all, where everyone now shows up armed with his or her personal opinions, convictions, and truth. We started with the equal right to express our beliefs and wound up conceding that all expressed beliefs have equal value, that truth of each is precisely identical to that of his neighbor. The question now is: can we mend the fabric of the truth in our societies, and if so, how, or must we resign ourselves to its definitive rending? Bernard-Henri Lévy offers concrete, innovative and eminently strategic ideas with the conviction that hope is not lost, but that it is our collective responsibility to urgently re-establish the principles of truth and veracity for humanity.

In the months leading up to the 2019 European parliamentary elections, Bernard-Henri Lévy traveled to 20 cities across the European continent and performed his new play “Looking for Europe” to sold-out audiences. The play addressed contemporary Europe in peril as the continent has confronted the rise of nationalism and populism and nomadic performance was a rallying call to all advocates for democracy - to dispel the demons of totalitarianism and fascism and stand up for liberal values. Along the way he met with heads of state from all political persuasions and has a unique, on-the-ground perspective, coupled with his historical philosophical analysis, to paint a sharp and original picture of today’s global political climate and rising waves of populism, in Europe and abroad. What is populism? How can it be empirically and theoretically decrypted? Why is it completely different from the sovereignty of people, in other words, democracy? What makes populism different and close to the Fascist movements of the 1930s? Why are these movements in such favor around the world today? What is real bridge between Putin and Trump? How did Great Britain fall into the throes of Brexit? Is there a way out?

The United States was once the hope of the world, a beacon of freedom and the defender of liberal democracy. Nations and peoples on all continents looked to America to stand up for the values that created the Western world, and to oppose autocracy and repression. Even when America did not live up to its ideals, it still recognized their importance, at home and abroad. But as Bernard-Henri Lévy lays bare in his powerful and disturbing analysis of the world today, America is retreating from its traditional leadership role, and in its place have come five ambitious powers, former empires eager to assert their primacy and influence. Lévy shows how these five ”• Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia ”• are taking steps to undermine the liberal values that have been a hallmark of Western civilization. Lévy draws upon lessons from history and the eternal touchstones of human culture to reveal the stakes facing the West as America retreats from its leadership role, a process that did not begin with Donald Trump's presidency and is not likely to end with him. The crisis is one whose roots can be found as far back as antiquity and whose resolution will require the West to find a new way forward if its principles and values are to survive.

Capital, or money, is the greatest tool that civilization ever invented. With comprehensive philosophical and historical analysis, Lévy demonstrates, that, in essence, money equals mobility, liberty and is at the heart of democracy. It can help shape human desire in positive ways, right certain transgressions and has an ethical value far greater than we often see. When used as a means and not an end, money is to be praised as it can be a noble tool to foster good for mankind.

From Lévy’s international best-seller, “Who Killed Daniel Pearl?” to his latest documentary, “The Battle of Mosul”, the philosopher has first-hand experience with fundamentalist groups like Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS and has investigated and written from the exact places where they grow and expand. From the naissance of his activism in the 1970s in Bangladesh, Lévy has supported and followed enlightened Muslims, such as the Kurds, who are on the frontlines combatting the fascism of our time: jihadism and Islamic fundamentalism. Lévy explains that the only clash of civilizations today exists within Islam: a democratic versus fundamental Islam.

What is the true impact of globalization? Is it really an unhappy process? According to Lévy, there is no better choice than the path of globalization and this should be embraced, rather than disputed. Globalization offers access to prosperity, education and, at the end of the day, democracy. And, those advocating for the contrary oppose the values of the Enlightenment. Lévy passionately shares how globalization throughout history has led to the advancement of civilization and will continue to bring both societal and economic progress if kindled.

Until the tragic Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, America was a refuge, second only to Israel, for Jews around the world. In Europe, anti-Semitism festered and ran rampant, but the United States was seemingly free of this plague. However, Lévy shows that there is a new rising global anti-Semitism and it is comprised of three pillars: anti-Zionism, Holocaust denial and the competition of victimhood. This virus tugs at present-day sensibilities, emotions and is spreading across the United States and around the world. Lévy also addresses the Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS) movement: a global campaign attempting to increase economic and political pressure on Israel. Lévy aptly demonstrates that BDS is in fact rooted in the European anti-Semitism of the 20th century. In a logical and mathematical fashion, he provides fresh and inedited information on the Nazi background of this movement and proves that it is an alarming and growing global phenomenon. Lévy offers a passionate liberal defense of Israel and makes his case demonstrating the virtues of Israel’s extraordinary democracy. A strong multiethnic society that embraces immigrants from all over the world, Israel serves as a model of integration and openness and should be lauded.