NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/19/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Alex Aichinger, associate professor of political science at Northwestern State University, is one of 14 scholars invited to attend a national colloquium to discuss Bertrand de Jouvenel's classic study of the encroaching nature of governmental power, "On Power." Panel members will include recognized political scholars from the continental United States and Guam. The three-day gathering will be held Sept. 9-12 on the campus of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. The event is sponsored by The Liberty Fund.

"Participation in the colloquium is by invitation only," said Aichinger. "Being one of only 14 invitees is quite an honor."

The Liberty Fund, a private, educational foundation, was established in 1960 by Pierre F. Goodrich, an Indianapolis businessman and lawyer. Goodrich believed that a commitment to liberty (intellectual, economic, religious, and political) was the best chance to fragment and decentralize power and the only way to release individual initiative. Today, The Liberty Fund seeks to advance and realize Goodrich's vision of a society of free and responsible individuals. It does this through a series of conferences throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. In addition, the Fund publishes as many as 20 scholarly books each year on liberty and the individual.

The subject of the colloquium, "On Power," traces the growth of power and cautions against indiscriminate proposals to increase the power and scope of government-hesitation and skepticism are advised. In particular, de Jouvenel contends that arguments for increasing power that are based on necessity are a "the tyrant's plea" and should never go unexamined. Among the topics for discussion are "Power and Obedience," "The Totalitarian Thrust of Democratic Power," and "Power and Liberty: Compatible or Irreconcilable." Aichinger finds de Jouvenel's concerns very relevant for contemporary Americans.

"Much of our government's reaction to 9/11 and proposals for 'fighting' the war on terrorism are being based on necessity and should be examined closely by all Americans," he said.

The colloquium will give Aichinger a chance to not only meet with other university faculty but also with representatives of The Earhart Foundation and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Both of these organizations provide fellowships and internships to deserving college students.

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