But Dewey also embodied what might be called the democratic...

But Dewey also embodied what might be called the democratic aspirations of intellectuals - wish without much power. A major flaw in today’s civic ferment is an insufficient understanding of the power dynamics involved in culture-making. In the following I begin with connections between civic engagement efforts and populism, drawing attention to the capacity- building operations of power at the heart of democratic populist movements.

Such a concept of power answers the main objection raised by progressives to populism: what about its “dark side,” the way populist-sounding movements can be reactionary or vehicles for demagogues? I then explore the work of Dewey in relation to themes of civic development and power. Dewey had rich insights about civic learning, but a weak theory of power.

I conclude by suggesting how populism, challenging domination by experts outside civic life, can recast the way we think about the period from now until the 2008 election and the meaning of that election.…