Understanding the Liberal Communitarian Response To Populism

Populism is a political ideology that has gained significant traction in recent years across the globe. It is characterized by its anti-establishment rhetoric, appeal to the "ordinary people," and promises to challenge the existing political system. As populism continues to rise, political scholars and policymakers have started to examine alternative responses to this phenomenon. One notable response that has gained attention is the liberal communitarian approach.

Defining Liberal Communitarianism

Liberal communitarianism is a political philosophy that seeks to strike a balance between individual rights and the common good. It recognizes the importance of both liberty and community in shaping a just society. Advocates of this approach argue that individual rights and freedoms cannot be divorced from the context of a community or society as a whole.

Liberal communitarians emphasize the importance of cultivating strong communities where individuals are connected by social bonds and have a sense of belonging. They believe that a thriving community leads to a robust democracy, as it encourages active citizen participation and a shared responsibility for the well-being of all members.

Happiness is the Wrong Metric: A Liberal Communitarian Response to Populism (Library of Public Policy and Public Administration Book 11)

by Amitai Etzioni (1st ed. 2018 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	325 pages

FREE

The Challenges Posed by Populism

Populist movements often present a challenge to liberal communitarian values. Populist leaders tend to undermine democratic institutions and sow divisions within society by pitting "the people" against so-called elites. Their rhetoric often appeals to narrow, exclusionary identities, thereby eroding the sense of community and shared responsibility.

Furthermore, populism's focus on individual grievances and simplistic solutions can disregard the complexity of societal challenges. This can hinder the development of comprehensive policies that address the underlying issues affecting communities and the common good.

The Liberal Communitarian Response

Liberal communitarians argue that the best response to populism is not to abandon core liberal values or completely reject the concerns raised by populist movements. Instead, they propose a recalibration of liberal principles to foster a stronger sense of community and address the legitimate grievances that populists exploit.

One key aspect of the liberal communitarian response is reframing the narrative. Instead of dismissing populist concerns outright, liberal communitarians advocate for engaging with the underlying anxieties, fears, and frustrations expressed by populist actors. They aim to address these concerns in a way that is inclusive and consistent with liberal democratic principles.

This approach involves fostering dialogue, encouraging active citizenship, and pursuing policy solutions that address the root causes of populism's appeal. It also emphasizes the importance of building social trust and cohesion within communities to counter the divisions perpetuated by populist movements.

The Library of Public Policy and Public

The Library of Public Policy and Public is an invaluable resource for studying and understanding the liberal communitarian response to populism. With its vast collection of scholarly articles, books, and policy analyses, the library offers a comprehensive exploration of the political, social, and economic aspects of this response.

The library's curated selection of publications provides insights into the theoretical underpinnings of liberal communitarianism and its practical implications. It showcases case studies from various countries, highlighting successful initiatives that have effectively addressed the challenges posed by populism.

Whether you are a student, researcher, or policymaker, the Library of Public Policy and Public is a valuable tool that will broaden your understanding of the liberal communitarian response to populism. It offers a balanced analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, helping you navigate the intricacies of contemporary political discourse.

The rise of populism calls for thoughtful and adaptive responses that preserve democratic values while addressing the concerns of disillusioned citizens. The liberal communitarian response offers a balanced and inclusive approach that recognizes the importance of both individual rights and communal well-being. By engaging with populist concerns and fostering stronger communities, liberal communitarianism holds the potential to create a more resilient and inclusive democratic order.

Happiness is the Wrong Metric: A Liberal Communitarian Response to Populism (Library of Public Policy and Public Administration Book 11)

by Amitai Etzioni (1st ed. 2018 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	325 pages

FREE

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.

This timely book addresses the conflict between globalism and nationalism. It provides a liberal communitarian response to the rise of populism occurring in many democracies.  The book highlights the role of communities next to that of the state and the market. It spells out the policy implications of liberal communitarianism for privacy, freedom of the press, and much else. In a persuasive argument that speaks to politics today from Europe to the United States to Australia, the author offers a compelling vision of hope.  Above all, the book offers a framework for dealing with moral challenges people face as they seek happiness but also to live up to their responsibilities to others and the common good.

At a time when even our most basic values are up for question in policy debates riddled with populist manipulation, Amitai Etzioni’s bold book creates a new frame which introduces morals and values back into applied policy questions. These questions span the challenges of jobless growth to the unanswered questions posed by the role of artificial intelligence in a wide range of daily life tasks and decisions. While not all readers will agree with the communitarian solutions that he proposes, many will welcome an approach that is, at its core, inclusive and accepting of the increasingly global nature of all societies at the same time. It is a must read for all readers concerned about the future of Western liberal democracy.

Carol Graham, Leo Pasvolsky Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution and College Park Professor/University of Maryland

In characteristically lively, engaging, and provocative style Etzioni tackles many of the great public policy dilemmas that afflict us today. Arguing that we are trapped into a spiral of slavish consumerism, he proposes a form of liberal communitarian that, he suggests, will allow human beings to flourish in changing circumstances. 

Jonathan Wolff, Blavatnik Chair of Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford