Bernard-Henri Lévy

Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French philosopher, writer, filmmaker, and public intellectual associated with the 1970s Nouveau Philosophie movement. His essays and interventions address politics, war, antisemitism, and human rights.

André Glucksmann: A French philosopher and writer associated with the Nouveau Philosophie movement and critiques of totalitarianism. A fellow Nouveau Philosophe whose anti-totalitarian politics shaped the movement Lévy joined.
The Barbarism with a Human Face: A 1977 book by Bernard-Henri Lévy criticizing Marxism and revolutionary politics. This early bestseller made his attack on left-wing totalitarianism central to his public identity.
Nouveau Philosophie: A French intellectual movement of the 1970s that criticized Marxism and revolutionary politics. Lévy became one of its best-known public representatives.
Public intellectual: A thinker who intervenes in public debate beyond a specialized academic or professional role. Lévy’s essays, media appearances, and political interventions make this role central to his career.
Jean-Paul Sartre: A French philosopher, novelist, and political activist who became a leading figure in existentialism. Lévy challenged the authority of Sartre’s generation and its revolutionary political commitments.
Who Killed Daniel Pearl?: A 2003 book by Bernard-Henri Lévy about the kidnapping and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. It exemplifies his combination of travel, interviews, political analysis, and contested reportage.
Marxism: A political and economic tradition rooted in the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Nouveau Philosophie emerged through a rejection of Marxist revolutionary ideals and their political consequences.
Humanitarian intervention: The use or threat of force by outside actors to protect people from severe abuses. Lévy has advocated intervention in conflicts including Bosnia and Libya.
Emmanuel Macron: A French politician who has served as president of France since 2017. Lévy publicly supported Macron during the 2017 French presidential campaign.
The Oath of Tobruk: A 2012 documentary film by Bernard-Henri Lévy about the Libyan uprising against Muammar Gaddafi. The film records his direct involvement in advocating intervention during Libya’s uprising.

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