Norman Birnbaum

Norman Birnbaum is professor emeritus at the Georgetown University Law Center. He was on the founding editorial board of New Left Review and is a member of the editorial board of The Nation. His memoir, From The Bronx to Oxford and Not Quite Back, was published in January 2018.

JFK’s Presidential Courage—June 10, 1963 JFK’s Presidential Courage—June 10, 1963

Fifty years ago, Kennedy made a historic speech that brought America and the Soviet Union back from the brink.

Jun 12, 2013 / Norman Birnbaum

New Pope, Old Papacy

New Pope, Old Papacy New Pope, Old Papacy

There is nothing in Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio’s record to suggest that he will reform the Catholic Church.

Mar 20, 2013 / Editorial / Norman Birnbaum

New Pope, Old Papacy

New Pope, Old Papacy New Pope, Old Papacy

There is nothing in Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio’s record to suggest that he will reform the Catholic Church. 

Mar 15, 2013 / Norman Birnbaum

False Prophecy and Real History in the Mideast False Prophecy and Real History in the Mideast

Benjamin Netanyahu’s denunciations of US restraint regarding Iran have raised many questions about US-Israeli relations—and about the politics of American Jews.

Sep 24, 2012 / Norman Birnbaum

With Hollande in Power, Can Germany’s Social Democrats Force Merkel to Discard Austerity? With Hollande in Power, Can Germany’s Social Democrats Force Merkel to Discard Austerity?

The fate of the EU hangs in the balance.

May 17, 2012 / Norman Birnbaum

The Vatican’s Latest Target in the War on Women: Nuns The Vatican’s Latest Target in the War on Women: Nuns

The bishops want to put a stop to the nuns’ focus on social justice. Thanks to their second-class status within the church, the nuns have little recourse.

Apr 24, 2012 / Norman Birnbaum

Will Germany’s New President Be a Thorn in Merkel’s Side? Will Germany’s New President Be a Thorn in Merkel’s Side?

Joachim Gauck could offer too striking a contrast to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s own devotion to a politics of small compromises. 

Feb 22, 2012 / Norman Birnbaum

Christopher Hitchens: Some Memories Christopher Hitchens: Some Memories

Christopher was moved, in his choice of objects of animosity, by an unstable mixture of calculation and conviction.

Dec 19, 2011 / Lived History / Norman Birnbaum

Remembering Christa Wolf Remembering Christa Wolf

German Novelist Christa Wolf dies on December 1, 2011 at 82.

Dec 19, 2011 / Lived History / Norman Birnbaum

Gratitude and Forbearance: On Christopher Lasch

Gratitude and Forbearance: On Christopher Lasch Gratitude and Forbearance: On Christopher Lasch

Christopher Lasch and his quest for the moral resources of the next New Deal.  

Sep 14, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Norman Birnbaum

x