FLASH
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Born in 1921, Edgar Morin is a former member of the French Resistance during the Second World War, an anthropologist of death, a sociologist of our time, and a visionary intellectual deeply engaged in public life. As an analyst of new scientific paradigms – which led him to develop the concept of “complexity” in the six volumes of “La Méthode” (1977-2004) – and dedicated to understanding the forces that drive history, most recently in the book “Are There Lessons from History?” (2025), the centenarian philosopher reflects on the global situation.
-How do you analyze the current political climate?
A powerful wave of neo-authoritarian regression is spreading around the world. Its most advanced form is Chinese neo-totalitarianism, which relies not only on the police but also on digital technology, facial recognition, email and telephone monitoring, to consolidate power. In Russia, Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship has worsened with the war in Ukraine. Hungary is under a neo-authoritarian regime. Italy is led by a government where some members display nostalgia for fascism. Fascist revivals are seen around the world, but not in the form of a single totalitarian party as before. Donald Trump has brought the triumph of a reactionary America. I could also mention many countries in Asia and Latin America. Midnight of this century may be near.
-The Middle East has been plunged into an unprecedented war following Israeli and US attacks on Iran, followed by the conflict in Lebanon. How do we understand this escalation?
The hated regime of the mullahs is facing equally reprehensible attacks from Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. But it is the Iranian people who are experiencing successive suffering. The entire Middle East is being brought under Israeli-American control, especially because support for Israel is a pillar of Trumpism. A catastrophic process is underway, although Trump and Netanyahu are not eternal. There is currently no chance of salvation. We can only testify to our helplessness. The only hope lies in the impossible. We must resist.
-Doesn't the Iranian regime, with its nuclear program, pose an existential threat to Israel?
Iran and Israel see each other as a threat.
-How does your concept of “complexity” help to analyze the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
By first establishing the context. By considering the centuries of religious and racial persecution of Jews. By understanding that, although Israel is powerful, it is in a potentially hostile environment and seeks security through military force and territorial expansion. By considering the disappearance of the Israeli left and the dominance of reactionary forces that do not accept the two-state vision.
Also, considering the tragedy of the Palestinian Arabs, many of whom were expelled from their lands and live as refugees, as well as the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The October 7, 2023 massacre of Israelis and the subsequent numerous casualties in Gaza have only worsened the situation.
The geopolitical context must also be considered: Israel as a bastion of the West in an Arab world where populations are hostile to it, and where any incident could escalate into war. Both Israel's right to exist and the Palestinians' right to a state are ethically and politically imperative.
-Is it difficult to talk about Palestinians, especially when you are Jewish?
It is common to face harsh criticism when criticizing Israel’s repressive policies toward the Palestinians. For some, if you are Jewish, this is seen as treason. However, I have never questioned Israel’s right to exist. I see myself in the tradition of Jewish humanists, from Spinoza to Hannah Arendt. There is a distinction – but sometimes overlap – between anti-Semitism, anti-Judaism, and anti-Israelism.
-How do you see the return of anti-Semitism in the world?
Israel's domination of the Palestinians has fueled anti-Judaism in the Arab and Muslim worlds, which in the past have been welcoming to Jews. A new form of anti-Semitism has also emerged that identifies all Jews with Israel. This has revived old forms of hatred. But one should not forget the hatred of Muslims, which is equally destructive.
-You quote: “Life is doubt, and belief without doubt is death.” Why do you value doubt?
Complex thought acknowledges that it can never be complete, and therefore acknowledges uncertainty. In this sense, I am the heir of Montaigne. But I also carry within me a faith in human potential. For me, faith and doubt are in constant dialogue.
-What do you doubt and what do you believe in?
I doubt every statement until I have proof of its truth. I doubt humanity, but at the same time I believe in it. I believe in love and brotherhood. / Adapted from "Le Monde"
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