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Anti-Pluralism

The Populist Threat to Liberal Democracy

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About this listen

The Great Recession, institutional dysfunction, a growing divide between urban and rural prospects, and failed efforts to effectively address immigration have paved the way for a populist backlash that disrupts the postwar bargain between political elites and citizens. Whether today's populism represents a corrective to unfair and obsolete policies or a threat to liberal democracy itself remains up for debate. Yet this much is clear: These challenges indict the triumphalism that accompanied liberal democratic consolidation after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To respond to today's crisis, good leaders must strive for inclusive economic growth while addressing fraught social and cultural issues, including demographic anxiety, with frank attention. Although reforms may stem the populist tide, liberal democratic life will always leave some citizens unsatisfied. This is a permanent source of vulnerability, but liberal democracy will endure so long as citizens believe it is worth fighting for.

©2018 William A. Galston (P)2018 Tantor 20th Century 21st Century Americas Economic History Economics Elections & Political Process Modern Political Science Politics & Government United States World Socialism Liberalism Capitalism Iran Middle East Soviet Union Taxation Russia Employment Great Recession Economic Inequality American Doctrines
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a little short and maybe could have used more statistics, but clearly explains todays phenomena of tribalism and polarization. spends much time defending democratic liberalism, but a follow up book is needed to explain better what needs to be done.

Understand today`s polarization

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