Taking Seriously the New Populist and Alt-Right/Fascist Thinkers
Dec 25, 2016
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Tom G. Palmer discusses the new thinkers working to make intolerance respectable again. He explores the parallels between populist movements in Europe, Brexit, and the election of Donald Trump. Examining threats to liberty including identity politics, populism, and radical Islamism. He also delves into the values that drive opposition to libertarianism and the significance of taking seriously the ideas of populist and alt-right/fascist thinkers.
The rise of authoritarian populist movements poses a threat to liberty by rejecting classical liberal values and promoting intolerance and a rules-based legal order.
To effectively counter the threats to liberty, understanding the moral psychology involved and promoting live and let live, cooperation, and free trade is crucial.
Deep dives
Commonality among Populist Movements
There are commonalities among several populist movements around the world, such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, despite their different local reasons. One common theme is a rejection of modernity, which is rooted in a strong authoritarian element. These movements oppose classical liberal values of peaceful cooperation, trade for mutual benefit, toleration, and a rules-based legal order. This emerging authoritarian populist movement is tipping the balance in many countries and poses a threat to liberty.
Three Threats to Liberty
There are three significant threats to liberty that people who care about liberty should be considering. Firstly, there is the rise of left-wing identity politics, which has taken hold in academia and the media. Secondly, there is a counter-identity politics fueled by populist white nationalists, reacting to the special and protected identity given to other groups. Thirdly, radical Islamism generates energy for populism in Europe and to a lesser extent in America, creating a sense of being besieged and fueling the rejection of moderation and assimilation. All three of these threats share a rejection of classical liberalism and libertarian values.
The Moral Defense of Liberty
To effectively counter the threats to liberty, it is crucial to understand the moral psychology involved. Human beings have the capacity for both conflict and cooperation, and authoritarians tap into this capacity for cooperation within groups to fight against other groups. By delving into moral psychology and empirical studies of authoritarianism, the defenders of liberty can craft messages that promote live and let live, laissez-faire, and cooperation for mutual benefit. In addition, supporting free trade becomes essential as it is a strategic and moral alternative to rising conflict among groups and nations.
Opposition to liberty isn't always rooted in mere ignorance. It's often rooted in a school of thought that opposes liberty. Tom G. Palmer discusses the new thinkers who are working to make intolerance respectable again.