New Books Network Paul Kelly, "Against Postliberalism: Why ‘Family, Faith and Flag’ is a Dead End for the Left" (Polity, 2025)
Dec 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Paul Kelly, a Professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics, critiques post-liberalism's rise. He identifies three main strands—populism, communitarianism, and authoritarianism—that threaten progress. Kelly argues that nostalgia for the past obscures the necessary evolution of society. He emphasizes the risks of false consciousness and authoritarianism echoing past political movements. The conversation also explores liberalism's role in shaping a fair future amidst deep moral disputes.
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Three-Part Framework Of Post-Liberalism
- Post-liberalism unites disparate currents through a three-part trinity: populism, common-good communitarianism, and authoritarianism.
- Paul Kelly argues this blend turns a critique of liberalism into a political movement spanning left and right.
How Blue Labour Sparked The Inquiry
- Kelly recounts his route into studying post-liberalism via Blue Labour and British debates after the coalition's victory.
- He noticed left critiques of Blairite centrism converging with right-wing versions after 2008 and Brexit.
Communitarianism Centers Associative Obligations
- Common-good communitarianism prioritizes associative obligations like family, faith and flag over individual rights.
- Kelly shows this approach responds to neoliberalism's erosion of community but struggles with pluralism.