RAWLSIANISM & THE POPULIST RIGHT with Gabriele Badano & Alasia Nuti
Sep 30, 2024
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Gabriele Badano, a senior lecturer in political theory, and Alasia Nuti, a co-author passionate about Rawlsian political liberalism, dive into pressing contemporary challenges. They discuss the clash between political liberalism and far-right populism, exploring how liberals can confront unreasonable ideologies. The duo emphasizes the importance of adapting political discourse to maintain relationships while tackling divisive issues like racism and the obligations of citizens in protecting democratic values amidst rising populism.
The necessity to actively engage with and challenge unreasonable political views is framed as a moral duty within liberal democracies.
Rawls's distinction between reasonable and unreasonable citizens highlights the complexities of fostering cooperation in a divided political landscape.
Collective action against far-right ideologies is emphasized as vital for strengthening democracy and promoting a just society in uncertain times.
Deep dives
Critique of Rulesianism and Political Liberalism
The speaker expresses skepticism about traditional rules-based liberalism, arguing it often fails to address contemporary political issues, particularly the rise of far-right movements. While the speaker acknowledges the appeal of egalitarian liberalism, they believe that it does not fully capture the urgency of the current political climate. Instead, a new approach that recognizes the severity of oppression faced by marginalized groups is necessary. This reflection leads them to engage with the book 'Politicising Political Liberalism' which critiques the conventional liberal norms and stresses the importance of engaging actively against right-wing populism.
Obligations to Confront Unreasonableness
The discussion emphasizes the moral obligation to challenge friends and family who align with unreasonable views, particularly in the context of liberal democracies facing threats. The argument posits that citizens must actively work to persuade those close to them who may have been influenced by far-right rhetoric. Engaging in confrontations, calling out racist or fascist ideologies, is framed as an important civic duty in the face of rising populism. This contrasts with the notion of civility in political discourse, suggesting that oppressive realities necessitate a departure from traditional norms.
Reasonableness vs. Unreasonableness
The conversation explores Rawls's distinction between reasonable and unreasonable citizens, highlighting the challenges posed by the presence of unreasonable individuals in society. The idea is presented that while reasonable citizens accept the inevitability of disagreement, unreasonable citizens reject the principles of equality and shared societal cooperation. This distinction is crucial for understanding how to engage politically with various actors in society. The implications for liberal political theory are significant, particularly in strategizing how to address and contain the influence of unreasonable perspectives without sacrificing democratic values.
The Role of Collective Action
A key theme is the necessity for collective action against unreasonable views, suggesting that individual efforts to persuade can be bolstered by community engagement. The participants stress the importance of individuals not only showing a duty to push back against unreasonableness but doing so in a way that embraces collaboration. This collective responsibility is seen as a vital mechanism for fostering a more stable and just society, particularly in an era when liberal institutions face regression. The hope is that through shared efforts, citizens can create a critical mass that motivates positive change.
Navigating Political Optimism and Pessimism
The discussion culminates in reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding the future of liberal democracies, with participants wrestling between pessimism regarding current trends and a cautious optimism about the potential for change. They recognize that while far-right movements may appear strong, the unpredictable nature of politics leaves room for hope. The need for proactive engagement and resistance against the forces threatening liberalism is emphasized as essential, rather than relying solely on historical trajectories. The closing sentiment underscores the importance of continued vigilance and action to safeguard democratic values.
Rawls, religion, the reasonable & unreasonable, and what are our obligations when liberal democracy is under threat? Do we have a duty to try and persuade people out of the populist right?
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