The Authoritarians Have the Momentum: A Call to Action for Liberals

The Authoritarians Have the Momentum: A Call to Action for Liberals

The rise of authoritarianism around the world is a disturbing trend that has left many liberals wondering what went wrong. As the authoritarian camp gains momentum, it's clear that liberals must adapt and evolve their approach to counter this threat. In this essay, we'll explore the need for liberals to acknowledge the importance of transcendent loyalties like faith and family while defending liberal institutions.

The Rise of Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is on the rise, fueled by a combination of economic anxiety, social change, and a growing sense of disillusionment with traditional liberal institutions. Populist leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Jair Bolsonaro have tapped into this sentiment, promising to restore national pride and traditional values. Their success has been fueled by a growing sense of disconnection between citizens and the political elite, as well as a perception that liberal institutions are out of touch with the needs of ordinary people.

The Importance of Transcendent Loyalties

So, what can liberals do to counter this trend? One key strategy is to acknowledge the importance of transcendent loyalties like faith and family. These institutions are often seen as more authentic and trustworthy than politics or government, and they can provide a sense of community and belonging that is missing from modern society. By acknowledging the role of these institutions in people's lives, liberals can begin to build bridges between their values and those of their opponents.

Defending Liberal Institutions

However, while acknowledging the importance of transcendent loyalties is important, it's equally crucial to defend liberal institutions. These institutions – including democratic governments, independent media, and civil society organizations – are essential for protecting human rights, promoting social justice, and ensuring that power is held accountable. By defending these institutions, liberals can help to preserve the values of freedom, equality, and justice that are at the heart of liberal democracy.

A New Approach

To counter the rise of authoritarianism, liberals must adopt a new approach that combines acknowledgment of transcendent loyalties with a defense of liberal institutions. This means recognizing the importance of faith and family in people's lives, while also promoting the values of tolerance, diversity, and inclusivity. It means working with religious leaders and community organizations to build bridges between different groups and promote social cohesion. And it means defending liberal institutions against attacks from authoritarian forces.

Conclusion

The rise of authoritarianism is a complex issue that requires a nuanced response. By acknowledging the importance of transcendent loyalties like faith and family while defending liberal institutions, liberals can begin to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. This means recognizing the value of community and tradition while also promoting the values of freedom, equality, and justice. It's time for liberals to adapt and evolve their approach to meet the challenges of our times.