The Political Theory Review Episode 186: William Galston - Anger, Fear, Domination
Sep 11, 2025
William Galston, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'Anger, Fear, Domination,' delves into the emotional undercurrents affecting liberal democracy. He discusses how anger and fear can threaten democratic values, emphasizing the need for understanding and compromise. Galston highlights the power of rhetoric to combat dark emotions in politics and advocates for persuasive speech as essential in defending democracy. Historical examples illustrate the pitfalls of allowing resentment to shape political dynamics.
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Why Liberal Democracy Is Especially Vulnerable
- Liberal democracy is vulnerable because it requires coexistence with difference that conflicts with natural human urges for sameness and dominance.
- Galston argues anger, fear, and the urge to dominate can be mobilized rhetorically against liberal institutions.
Structural Tension Between Democracy And Restraint
- Liberal democracy structurally limits majoritarian impulses and demands restraint, which runs counter to natural inclinations to impose one's views.
- Those limits create pressure toward compromise or violence when groups refuse restraint.
The Peril Of Rationalist Liberalism
- Liberal defenders grew overly rationalist, assuming reason and self-interest would contain politics and marginalize passions.
- Galston warns that ignoring passions leads to unrealistic hopes and leaves democracies exposed to decline.
