Making the Argument with Nick Freitas The Postwar Consensus Is Collapsing
Jun 24, 2025
Christian Hines, a historian and political prognosticator, reveals the unraveling of the Postwar Consensus, a framework that shaped Western civilization for 80 years. He discusses the shift towards secularism and implications for governance. Hines examines the trajectory of sexual freedom and its connection to women's empowerment. He critiques economic evolution, highlighting the shift from Keynesianism to neoliberalism, and emphasizes the dangers of authoritarianism in 'closed societies.' The conversation also advocates for parental rights in education and critiques hyper-financialization's impact on the economy.
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Postwar Consensus and Secularism
- The postwar consensus established separation of church and state as a key value in Western societies.
- This secularization was a major break from the past and heavily influences Western democratic norms today.
Individuals over Groups
- The postwar consensus sees nations as collections of individuals, not groups.
- This emphasis on individual liberty shaped Western political rhetoric and policy after 1945.
Universal Liberal Democracy Goal
- Postwar foreign policy aimed to universalize liberal democracy through nation building.
- The US led international order enforced rules like respecting borders to avoid large-scale conflicts.
