Mimesis Rethought: On the Politics of Imitation

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Session Description

This roundtable rethinks the ancient concept of "mimesis" in light of the rising threat of aspirational fascism, which, under the mask of populism, is currently casting a new shadow on democratic processes. Going beyond mimetic realism or representation, participants draw on a minor tradition in political theory sensitive to the ways in which the affective, material, and contagious powers of mimetic influences—and the simulations thereof—can be put to both fascist and democratic use.

Sub Unit

• DIVISION 2: Foundations of Political Theory

Chair

• Jane Bennett

Presenters

• Morton Schoolman SUNY, University at Albany

• Nidesh Lawtoo KU Leuven

• William E. Connolly Johns Hopkins University