Revitalizing Liberalism at the End of History with Francis Fukuyama and Pratap Bhanu Mehta

On July 11-12 in Washington, D.C., the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism, publisher of The UnPopulist, convened a conference of leading U.S. and international liberals from both the political left and the political right. The conference’s purpose was, as ISMA President Shikha Dalmia wrote, to respond to rising challenges in America and abroad by “illiberal movements, particularly those mobilizing majoritarian grievances, that question liberalism’s commitment to personal liberty, toleration, pluralism political equality, and a just rule of law that holds even the powerful accountable.” She called upon “liberals of all political persuasions” to “set aside their policy differences and come together in a renewed defense of liberal democratic institutions and values.” The conference was aptly titled “Liberalism for the 21st Century.”

The final session featured Francis Fukuyama, author of the landmark 1992 book "The End of History and the Last Man", and Pratap Bhanu Mehta, whom Dalmia introduced as a fearless and brilliant political theorist and newspaper columnist who “has made his mark in India as the most important public intellectual there.” Mehta opened the session by inviting Fukuyama to make a detailed opening statement to which Mehta responded, initiating a dialogue.

Fukuyama (speaking without notes!) proceeded to define liberalism in clear and inclusive terms; to trace its historical value in governing diverse societies; to discuss its moral and practical value in protecting human freedom and autonomy; to acknowledge, yet contextualize the past hypocrisies of American liberalism; to frame the current backlash against liberalism as a response to “distortions” of “core classical liberalism” emanating from both the right and the left.

[patrickvernon]

Put it on the ballet and don’t make it the only option. Ask the people whether they want it revitalized or not