Jay Elwes

Has liberalism destroyed itself?

Francis Fukuyama explores the irony of how the great liberal ideal, pushed to extremes, has resulted in today’s illiberal identity politics

The new strain of illiberalism is traced back to Herbert Marcuse, whose 1964 book One Dimensional Man has much to answer for. [Getty Images] 
issue 14 May 2022

According to Vladimir Putin, liberalism is an ‘obsolete’ doctrine, a worn-out political philosophy no longer fit for purpose. In this well-timed, rather urgent book, Francis Fukuyama attacks that view and puts a vigorous case for the defence. Despite its faults, liberalism is a force for good, he says, and it remains the only political philosophy capable of taking on the authoritarians of Moscow and Beijing.

GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY 3 MONTHS FOR $5
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Start your 3-month trial today for just $5 and subscribe to more than one view

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in