Joshua Mitchell & the deconstruction of mediating institutions Artwork

Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Givers, Doers, and Thinkers introduces listeners to the fascinating people and important ideas at the heart of American civil society. We speak with philanthropists, foundation leaders, reformers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, religious believers, historians, sociologists, philosophers, journalists, and anyone else who will help us understand contemporary civil society’s achievements and failures. We also sprinkle in practical advice for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. This is the podcast for anyone interested in that vital space where philanthropy and civil society intersect.

All Episodes

Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Joshua Mitchell & the deconstruction of mediating institutions

December 06, 2023 • Jeremy Beer • Season 5 • Episode 5

During this week's episode of Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy speaks with Joshua Mitchell about how and why today's neo-puritans think our liberation depends on destroying those mediating institutions that constitute civil society.

Joshua Mitchell is a professor of political theory at Georgetown University. He was on the start-team for Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service in Doha Qatar, and has taught courses there periodically for the past 15 years. He was also the Acting Chancellor of The American University of Iraq–Sulaimani. His research interest lies in the relationship between political thought and theology in the West. Dr. Mitchell has written several books including Not by Reason Alone, The Fragility of Freedom, Plato's Fable, Tocqueville in Arabia: Dilemmas in the Democratic Age; and his most recent book, American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time.

Jeremy and Joshua start by discussing identity politics’ impact on civil society and its morphism into a religious movement. Joshua shares a bit on the idea of “scapegoating” and the rise of anti-liberal movements in America—it’s not quite what you think. This is an action-packed conversation with Joshua's insights on Trump, political competence, social justice, and rebuilding mediating institutions.

Closing Notes:
The Center for Civil Society is pleased to announce its 2024 Givers, Doers, & Thinkers conference, which will take place on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Join us in Malibu on October 23rd & 24th, 2024. Our Early Bird registration is now open, and attendees can receive 50% off the standard ticket price for a limited time by using code EARLYBIRD when registering. For information about conference sponsorships, including table sponsorships for your organization, please contact Center Director Jonathan Hannah at jhannah@centerforcivilsociety.org.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, questions, and recommendations for the podcast! You can shoot Katie Janus, GDT’s producer, an email anytime!

Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel