The Hon. Thomas J. Dodd Center for the Study of International Affairs and Law
at  the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Saint Anselm College:

The Symposium on Politics and the Arts: Informing the Citizen’s Inner Voice
[April 18, 2009]

Program and List of Participants (PDF 180/KB)

The purpose of this Symposium was to explore ways art inspires and guides political actors on national and international stages— across time. It considers the power of poetry, literature, music, dance, the theatre and the visual arts to inspire the imagination and creativity of political actors and ordinary citizens in their pursuit of peace, social justice, human dignity, as well as harmony with the natural environment. Although art’s power for coercive or destructive ends is not neglected, this Symposium seeks to enhance public and scholarly appreciation of the noble dimensions of the complex relationship between politics and the arts.

The Symposium gave particular attention to sources of knowledge that inform the work of artists and that transcend the empiricism and instrumental rationality that drive societies. The inspiration, intuition, and creative imagination that guide the body, the pen, the voice, the mind, and the brush of artists and musicians may be viewed as foundations of the moral, spiritual, and intellectual life of the world. They are sources of knowledge essential to the survival of humankind.

It is fitting that this Symposium be held in the Thomas J. Dodd Center.  It was by way of “art” that Dodd played a pivotal role in the Nuremburg trials. Stunned by the inhumanities of the Nazis, Dodd convinced the chief prosecutor, that visuals are more powerful than lengthy pages of evidence to break down the defiance of the accused. The compelling films he showed to the court reduced Nazi officials to tears, withered their stubborn arrogance, and delivered to the court the profound message of the gravity of malevolence on trial.

The missions of the Center include promoting understanding of the forces that drive global politics, provoke the search for justice, and spur interest in the needs and problems of the world community.  In so doing, we host events and conferences that feature research and scholars from a variety of disciplines.

Special Performances included those of: Jakov Jakoulov, concert pianist; Jim Tusty, producer of the documentary The Singing Revolution; and Mangok Maluil of The Lost Boys of Sudan.