In a thought-provoking conversation, political philosopher John Gray, author of The New Leviathans: Thoughts After Liberalism, challenges the long-held beliefs about the dominance of liberal democracy. He discusses the decline of liberalism, highlighting failures across nations like Russia and China. Gray also explores the complexities of political identity, the fragility of societal order, and the impacts of the 'woke movement.' Amidst a legitimacy crisis in America, he urges a deeper understanding of the historical forces shaping current political landscapes.
Liberalism is declining globally, evidenced by failed transitions to democracy and a reduction in accepted liberal freedoms within institutions.
Thomas Hobbes' foundational views on the fragile nature of societal order emphasize that modern liberalism is neglecting human conflict's inherent dangers.
Contemporary political discourse reveals tensions between individual identity and communal recognition, challenging traditional liberal ideals of tolerance and coexistence.
Deep dives
The Erosion of Liberalism
Liberalism is perceived as increasingly in decline, with notable signs indicating its retreat. The transition from communism to liberal democracy has failed in significant regions like Russia and China, while interventions in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan have not fostered democratic growth. The reduction of previously accepted liberal freedoms, particularly in academic and cultural institutions, has further exacerbated this decline. An example includes civil institutions policing their members, limiting discourse to conform to a prevailing progressive orthodoxy.
Defining Liberalism
The core tenet of liberalism is the idea that rulers derive their authority solely to protect the well-being of the governed, rejecting any claim of divine or inherent rights to rule. This philosophical perspective differs from others that endorse the rule of the most virtuous or wise individuals. The discussion also highlights how modern interpretations of liberalism have shifted, with some factions claiming a superior moral right to impose their vision. Hence, the essence of liberalism remains tied to the protection of individuals, even as modern discussions complicate its application.
Hobbes' Relevance in Modern Thought
Thomas Hobbes is regarded as a foundational liberal thinker, emphasizing the fragile nature of societal order and the constant threat of anarchy beneath civilization. His view suggests that the state exists primarily to prevent conflict among individuals, a perspective that modern liberalism has largely neglected. The failure to recognize the inherent dangers of human conflict has contributed to contemporary liberalism's challenges. In the modern context, where anarchy emerges not only from state failure but also from non-state actors, Hobbes' insights remain crucial.
The Political Landscape's Transformation
The shifting political dynamics indicate that liberal societies are confronting internal disintegration driven by economic disparities and cultural conflicts. Populist movements have risen as a reaction to the perceived neglect by the elite, revealing deep-seated grievances among the working class and middle-income groups. The historical reliance on social democracy has diminished, leading to neglected communities and a growing disillusionment with traditional liberal governance. This erosion of trust in liberal institutions culminates in a crisis of legitimacy that liberalism struggles to address.
The Future of Political Identity in Liberal Societies
In contemporary political discourse, identity and self-expression have become contentious, complicating the dynamics between individualism and communal identity. The pressure to attain validation for personal identities can create significant societal friction, as competing claims to recognition collide. Traditional liberal ideals of tolerance, which allowed for diverse identities to coexist, are increasingly strained by this quest for self-definition. As this conflict intensifies, it reveals the inadequacies of liberal politics in managing collective identity and sustaining a cohesive social fabric.
Arguably Iiberalism, the belief that the government serves the people, is the stone on which modern democracy was founded. That notion is so ingrained in the US that we often forget that America could be governed any other way. But political philosopher John Gray believes that liberalism has been waning for a long, long time.
He joins Sean to discuss the great liberal thinker Thomas Hobbes and America’s decades-long transition away from liberalism.
