Abstract

One has seen global events, from Diana's death to the Soccer World Championship, and violent and real events, from wars to genocides; but never before a symbolic event of global stature, i.e., one that does not merely circulate globally, but jeopardizes globalization. All through the stagnant 1990s, “events went on strike” (in the words of the Argentine writer Macedonio Fernandez). Well, the strike is over. Events have ended the strike. With the attacks on Washington and the WTC, the absolute event, the “mother” of all events—the pure event that embodies within itself all other events which never took place, has…