My one post about Larry Summers

I’ve received a few e-mail queries about whether I would post anything on Larry Summers’ resignation as president from Harvard and whether it’s an example of: A) Political correctness triumphing over rational discourse; B) What happens when an out-of-touch faculty becomes too pwerful; C) Larry Summers’ inability to adapt to his environment; D) All of ...

By , a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast.

I've received a few e-mail queries about whether I would post anything on Larry Summers' resignation as president from Harvard and whether it's an example of: A) Political correctness triumphing over rational discourse; B) What happens when an out-of-touch faculty becomes too pwerful; C) Larry Summers' inability to adapt to his environment; D) All of the above. Actually, I have only two thoughts. The first is that Larry Summers is an exceptionally bright economist who might be a better public intellectual now that he can just speak his mind. The second is that, much as one may want to buy into the argument that this is Harvard's liberal, elitist, out-of-touch faculty punishing a truth-teller, I strongly suspect there are other parts to this story. So before anyone jumps to conclusions, I'd suggest reading this Institutional Investor story by David McClintick.

I’ve received a few e-mail queries about whether I would post anything on Larry Summers’ resignation as president from Harvard and whether it’s an example of:

A) Political correctness triumphing over rational discourse; B) What happens when an out-of-touch faculty becomes too pwerful; C) Larry Summers’ inability to adapt to his environment; D) All of the above.

Actually, I have only two thoughts. The first is that Larry Summers is an exceptionally bright economist who might be a better public intellectual now that he can just speak his mind. The second is that, much as one may want to buy into the argument that this is Harvard’s liberal, elitist, out-of-touch faculty punishing a truth-teller, I strongly suspect there are other parts to this story. So before anyone jumps to conclusions, I’d suggest reading this Institutional Investor story by David McClintick.

Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner

More from Foreign Policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?

The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.
Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World

It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.

Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.
Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing

The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.