We Are All Postliberals Now | Inaugural Neuhaus Lecture (Presented by: Patrick Deneen)
Apr 25, 2025
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Patrick Deneen, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame and author of 'Why Liberalism Failed', critiques contemporary political thought by delving into the decline of liberalism and the rise of post-liberalism. He challenges the principles of individualism and rights, confronting the overwhelming influence of progressive ideologies. Deneen examines the interconnectedness of historical political theories and advocates for a return to pre-modern values. He encourages individuals to embrace adventure, autonomy, and reshape societal norms.
The podcast highlights a growing skepticism towards liberalism, prompting scholars to reevaluate its principles in light of contemporary authoritarian trends.
The shift in public sentiment towards national identity and cultural distinctiveness marks a departure from open-border immigration policies favored in liberalism.
Emerging subcultures, like those inspired by Nietzschean philosophy, signify a discontent with mainstream politics, advocating for a return to primal human existence.
Deep dives
The Shift in Liberalism's Conversation
A significant discourse has emerged around the nature and future of liberalism, particularly focusing on its perceived failures. Scholars are compelled to reconsider their liberal convictions in light of current societal shifts that resemble forms of authoritarianism and illiberalism. This leads to a pressing inquiry about whether these developments signify a distortion of traditional liberalism or if they are intrinsic outcomes of its principles. The conversation is not limited to conservatives; it engages a broader intellectual audience, challenging longstanding beliefs and inviting deeper reflection on liberal tenets.
Post-Liberal Characteristics of Current Policy
Contemporary political dynamics illustrate a decisive pivot away from liberal ideals, particularly in immigration and economic policy. The commitment to open borders is increasingly seen as politically untenable, as public sentiment champions national identity and cultural distinctiveness. Additionally, economic policies have shifted, with national protectionism gaining favor as a response to widespread economic dislocation experienced by the working class. This marks a departure from the neoliberal orthodoxy that dominated the late 20th century, highlighting a substantial reevaluation of national interests and the purpose of economic systems.
Challenges to American-Led Liberal Order
The electoral success of Donald Trump signals a profound skepticism towards the American-led liberal international order established post-World War II. This skepticism has prompted a reassessment of foreign policy, including alliances and international commitments, reflecting a paradigm shift away from previously unquestioned liberal doctrines. Trump's presidency has underscored a bipartisan disillusionment with liberalism, indicating that mainstream political thought is evolving rapidly. The implications of this shift suggest that the reliance on a uniparty approach to international relations is now at risk of obsolescence.
Connecting Modernity's Waves and Ideas
The philosophical lineage of modernity is explored through the lens of three historical waves that intertwine liberalism with progressivism and nihilism. The trajectory begins with classical liberalism, then progresses through the ideologies exemplified by figures like Rousseau and Nietzsche, which are seen to shape subsequent political thought. This interconnectedness challenges the notion that contemporary issues can be isolated from their ideological origins, suggesting that the problems of modern progressive movements contain elements of classical liberal thought itself. Understanding these connections fosters a more nuanced view of current ideological battles and the evolution of political philosophy.
The Emergence of New Forms of Post-Liberalism
Within the cultural landscape, new identities are coalescing that reflect a divergence from traditional political alignments. Figures such as Bronze Age Pervert symbolize a burgeoning subculture that combines elements of Nietzschean philosophy with a critique of modernity, especially against liberal constraints. This undercurrent, often dismissed as fringe, captures the aspirations and resentments of disaffected young men, while advocating for a return to a more primal form of human existence. The appeal of these emerging ideologies underscores an increasing dissatisfaction with mainstream political structures, suggesting that the future of conservatism could pivot towards these new radical insights.
In this episode, First Things brings you the recording of the Inaugural Neuhaus Lecture presented by Patrick J. Deneen. Please subscribe at www.firstthings.com/subscribe in order to access this and many other great pieces!
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