Ted Widmer critiques Marco Rubio's speech in Athens, arguing that Rubio's call for 'Western civilization' to rediscover values of exploration and conquest is a 'haunting vision' that misrepresents history and democratic ideals, instead promoting a problematic narrative of 'great men' and domination.
Ted Widmer's article dissects Marco Rubio's speech delivered in Athens, set against the backdrop of the Acropolis, where Rubio urged the US and Europe to embrace 'exploration and conquest' to avoid decline. Widmer dismisses this as a nostalgic and troubling vision, akin to conservative academic seminars, arguing it misinterprets the democratic aspirations of figures like Jefferson and Lincoln, who drew inspiration from Greece and Rome for equality, not conquest. The author questions the very definition of 'the west,' pointing out that figures like Putin and Hitler could also claim Greco-Roman heritage, and highlights crucial Eastern influences on 'Western' knowledge, such as Sumerian writing and Arab mathematics. Widmer notes the irony of Rubio's focus on ancient Greek battles amidst current US-Iran tensions and military setbacks, suggesting that modern conflicts don't align with a conqueror's legacy. While acknowledging some historical knowledge in Rubio's speech, the article criticizes its recurring theme of history being shaped by 'great men' driven by 'relentless ambition' and a desire to 'conquer lesser peoples.' The author contrasts Rubio's message with past presidential speeches from Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, who, despite speaking of greatness, also emphasized democratic ideals, human rights, and intellectual pursuits, and were legitimate military heroes. Widmer further highlights the hypocrisy of Rubio's claims about pursuing philosophy, poetry, and scientific curiosity, given the current administration's cuts to arts, science, and climate research, and its withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Ultimately, the speech is deemed a 'beautiful photo op' lacking new policies or ideals beyond resource exploitation and domination, a departure from Enlightenment principles, and evidence of a 'darkening moment.'
