Throughout the years, I have authored numerous pieces discussing the American Revolution and the principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence. These topics remain relevant today, touching on issues such as identity politics, nationalism, immigration, the historical role of slavery in America, and more.
This article serves as an expansion of a similar collection of writings from last year, which can be found here. This Fourth of July, I find myself in Britain, a choice that is both fitting and unconventional. Fitting because the Enlightenment ideals that underpin the Declaration largely originated in Britain; unconventional because the American Revolution was essentially a rebellion against British rule.
I trust that the provided links will be informative and encourage contemplation on the core tenets of the Declaration. Unless specified otherwise, the following pieces were initially published as posts on the Volokh Conspiracy blog.
“The Declaration of Independence and the Case for Non-Ethnic Secession,” July 4, 2009.
“The Declaration of Independence and the Case for a Polity Based on Universal Principles,” July 4, 2017.
“The Universalist Principles of the Declaration of Independence,” July 4, 2019. This piece delves into why the Declaration prioritizes universal liberal principles over racial, ethnic, and cultural distinctions.
“The Case Against the Case Against the American Revolution,” July 4, 2019. A rebuttal to arguments—both from the right and left—claiming that the Revolution brought more harm than good.
“Slavery, the Declaration of Independence, and Frederick Douglass’ ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?'”, July 4, 2020. Douglass’s renowned speech sheds light on America’s gravest sins, as well as the positive impact of the Revolution and the Founding.
“Juneteenth and the Universalist Principles of the American Revolution,” June 19, 2021. This piece explains the harmony in celebrating both July 4 and the end of slavery, as they complement each other.
“Immigration and the Principles of the Declaration of Independence,” July 4, 2021. It articulates why the ideals of the Declaration and the Founding necessitate unrestricted migration rights.
“Juneteenth Celebrates a Great American Achievement,” June 19, 2023. An extension of the key points highlighted in my 2021 Juneteenth post.
“The Declaration of Independence Promotes Individual Liberty More than Collective Self-Determination,” July 4, 2023. This piece underscores that the “liberty” advocated in the Declaration emphasizes individual freedoms over majority rule or ethnic dominance.
“The Case Against Nationalism,” National Affairs, Winter 2024 (co-authored with Alex Nowrasteh). While this article offers a broad critique of nationalism, it includes a section explaining why nationalism contradicts the ideals of the Declaration and the Founding.
