The panel discussion titled “Reinventing Liberalism in a Populist Era” opens with a recognition of the challenges facing liberalism and liberal democracy today, including polarization, declining trust in institutions, and waning support for democracy, especially among younger generations in countries like the United States and the UK. The moderator introduces three distinguished panelists—Josh Cohen, Mark Dunkelman, and Helena Rosenblad—each bringing unique perspectives on the evolution, challenges, and potential reinvention of liberalism in contemporary politics. The discussion is framed around the idea that while liberalism still holds valuable ideas, it has both failed to address key issues like shared prosperity and public service quality and contributed to societal polarization.
Josh Cohen begins by defining liberalism in a political rather than a broad philosophical sense, emphasizing four core commitments: basic political and personal liberties, fair opportunities for all, shared prosperity, and equal consideration of each person’s life in law and policy. He argues for a “thin” conception of liberalism that is inclusive and pluralistic, allowing for diverse interpretations and coexistence with various cultural and religious outlooks. Cohen highlights the importance of engaging with populism constructively, viewing it as a response to legitimate grievances about inequality and lack of opportunity, rather than dismissing it outright as hostile to liberalism.
Mark Dunkelman offers a historical and practical lens, identifying two competing impulses within liberalism: the Hamiltonian impulse, which favors centralized power to solve collective problems, and the Jeffersonian impulse, which emphasizes individual autonomy and resistance to oppressive authority. He illustrates these tensions through examples like infrastructure projects and environmental regulations, showing how excessive decentralization and procedural hurdles have hampered effective governance. Despite current frustrations, Dunkelman remains optimistic that a new balance between these impulses can revitalize liberalism and enable it to deliver tangible benefits to the public once again.
Helena Rosenblad provides a historical critique, tracing liberalism’s origins to the early 19th century as a movement designed to contain and moderate democracy rather than fully embrace it. She explains that early liberals were wary of mass political participation, fearing irrationality and violence, and thus prioritized constitutional government, civil equality, and individual rights over political equality. Rosenblad acknowledges liberalism’s capacity for reinvention, noting its adaptations to industrialization and social challenges, but expresses concern about contemporary issues like consumerism, social media, and the need for moral leadership, suggesting that liberalism must evolve further to remain relevant and effective.
In the concluding discussion, the panel addresses questions about the rule of law, government effectiveness, and the challenges posed by populism’s ability to “get things done” despite often undermining liberal principles. The panelists agree on the essential role of the rule of law as a foundation for democracy and liberalism, while recognizing the difficulties in balancing individual rights with collective action. They emphasize the need for activism, thoughtful leadership, and institutional reform to overcome polarization and gridlock. The session closes on a hopeful note that liberalism, through reinvention and engagement with populist energy, can adapt to contemporary challenges and continue to uphold its core values of freedom, equality, and shared prosperity.
