John Torpey

John Torpey is Presidential Professor of Sociology and History and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the Graduate Center, City University of New York.

Crisis in Europe exposes failing refugee protection regime

The refugee protection regime works if it remains limited to those genuinely fleeing persecution — though the Syrian crisis proves again that ways must also be found to protect those at risk of generalized violence. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on the future of refugee protection.

By John Torpey

/ 11 May 2016

The entrepreneurs of memory

The Apology debate initiated by Marina Warners essay has opened out a whole discussion of restitution, justice and our relations to the past. But shouldnt we be careful?

By John Torpey

/ 21 Jan 2003

Bloody Tuesday

The attacks of Tuesday, 11 September, will ultimately change life in America in ways that are now difficult to imagine, and that may well lead to the US as a

By John Torpey

/ 14 Sep 2001

The past after the future

We are being buried under an avalanche of history. But this is a history far removed from the heroic, forward-looking tales that underpinned the idea of progress for two centuries.

By John Torpey

/ 29 Aug 2001