Between history and futurology: Ossip K. Flechtheim (1909-1998)

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Ossip K. Flechtheim (1909-1998) was an interdisciplinary scholar who lived across Germany, France, Switzerland, and the United States. His extensive body of work includes nearly twenty monographs and numerous edited volumes addressing fundamental issues of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, such as war and peace, democracy and dictatorship, fascism and antifascism, the North-South conflict, and the various forms of capitalism and communism. This book examines the ongoing relevance of Flechtheim’s contributions, presenting him as a historian of contemporary communism, a political scientist, and the pioneer of futurology—a term he coined. It delves into his journey as a socialist scholar, his experiences during exile in Europe, and his academic career in the United States, where he faced the disillusionment of the "American Dream." The text also highlights his tenure as a professor in West Berlin and his vision for a pluralist left. Additional sections include a German summary, appendices featuring his notable works on futurology and totalitarianism, and a bibliography. Through this exploration, the book sheds light on Flechtheim's enduring impact on political thought and future studies.