The New Liberal Podcast The Crisis of Liberalism
Jul 11, 2026
A tour of why liberalism is losing ground on both left and right. Discussion of market norms, identity politics, and the rise of progressive organizing. Exploration of technocratic competence, political ruthlessness, and lessons from Canada’s approach. Calls for a proud liberal nationalism and better storytelling to inspire civic purpose.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Liberalism Losing Momentum In Democratic Primaries
- Liberalism is losing ground because its story and energy are weaker than populist alternatives.
- Jeremiah Johnson points to repeated primary upsets and organizing strength of socialist-leaning groups as evidence of momentum against liberals.
Materialist And Cultural Explanations Fall Short
- The common materialist and cultural explanations for liberal decline don't fully fit U.S. patterns.
- Johnson notes wealthier, highly educated voters trending left and rust-belt material grievances trending right, undermining simple economic-anger narratives.
Thymos Explains The Search For Purpose
- Fukuyama's thymos explains part of liberalism's crisis: prosperity leaves people craving recognition and struggle.
- Without an identifiable external struggle, voters seek purpose via nationalism, populism, or identity politics.