J. Noel Hubler – författare

Race and the Politics of Fear is a study of the role of race in American political history. It takes a novel approach by using Aristotle’s theory of the mixed regime to analyze the American system. Aristotle’s mixed regime - containing elements of oligarchy and democracy - was well-known to the Founders, who used it to design the Constitution. Accordingly, American political history has unfolded as a struggle between oligarchic and democratic forces. Oligarchs have frequently used race to divide the people and maintain power.This book traces the oligarchic construction of race from its creation in the Colonial period and through a study of four major figures. James Madison helped formulate the Constitution to provide protection for the Southern oligarchies and was a founder of the Democratic-Republican party dominated by Southern interests. John C. Calhoun’s theory of the concurrent majority provided a blueprint for the South’s political strategy in the Jim Crow era. Ben Tillman redefined race primarily as a feeling as an excuse for the South’s violent oppression of the black community. Ronald Reagan retooled the traditional racist myths and made them palatable to a national audience.Readable yet extensively documented, it is appropriate for general audiences and scholars.

Travel back to 258 BCE and step into the Royal Council of King Ashoka, the powerful ruler of Magadha whose empire spanned most of India. Ashoka’s bold vision is to rule not by force but through dharma—a growing concept of universal order and ethical governance. As councillors, students join a diverse group of voices—Brahmin traditionalists, Jains, Ājīvikas, and Buddhists—each with unique beliefs about truth and leadership. Together they will debate crucial issues: whether to abolish animal sacrifice, how to build public welfare, whether to commission dharma officials, and whether some traditions should be prohibited as dangers to the kingdoms.Balancing Ashoka’s Buddhist faith with political unity, councillors must navigate competing moral and spiritual values, form alliances, and advocate for their communities without alienating others. Students explore the rise of Buddhism, religious pluralism, and the challenges of ethical leadership in ancient India through the game. Engaging with these complex debates gives students insight into how spiritual ideals and political realities shaped Ashoka’s lasting legacy.

Overcoming Uncertainty in Ancient Greek Political Philosophy makes an historical and theoretical contribution by explaining the role of opinion in ancient Greek political philosophy, showing its importance for Aristotle’s theory of deliberation, and indicating a new model for a deliberative republic.