New Books in Political Science What happens when liberalism stops feeling like a victory and starts feeling like an exhaustion?
Jan 5, 2026
Alexandre Lefebvre, a Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Sydney and author of 'Liberalism as a Way of Life,' delves into the exhaustion of liberalism amidst rising populism. He explores the moral foundations of liberalism, emphasizing freedom and generosity. Lefebvre discusses John Rawls's views on fairness and the tension between liberalism and non-liberal values. He also considers the implications of secular shifts and criticizes the potential imperialism of liberal universalism, while advocating for a deeper understanding of pluralism in today's context.
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Freedom And Generosity As Core Values
- Liberalism centrally emphasizes both freedom and generosity as character virtues, not just political rules.
- Alexandre Lefebvre argues those twin roots explain liberalism's ethical depth and appeal beyond policy.
Rawlsian Fairness As Liberal Centerpiece
- Lefebvre centers Rawls's fairness as a unifying liberal ideal that balances freedom and equality.
- He reads Rawls as offering both political principles and resources for a liberal way of life.
Rawls: From Ethical Way Of Life To Political Liberalism
- Early Rawls envisioned liberalism as a lived moral formation, not just thin political rules.
- Later Rawls recast this into political liberalism because he worried the fuller ethical project lacked broad buy-in.
