A quiet revolution is happening in Western politics. Parts of the left are breaking with the liberal consensus, dominant for the past 40 years, that was built on an uncritical acceptance of globalisation, mass immigration and multiculturalism. Both centre-left parties and some left-wing populists are beginning to adopt an agenda of rebuilding the national economy, limiting inward migration and embracing patriotism. Where ultra-liberal economics and ultra-liberal culture previously prevailed, we are now seeing a paradoxical fusion of economic radicalism with social moderation; reindustrialisation and higher wages combined with greater support for families.
“Left conservatism” captures the cultural facets. But the fundamental aspect of this turn is an increasing focus on constructive alternatives to the capitalist free market. While the right increasingly descends into forms of market nationalism, the post-liberal left seeks to renew society both nationally and internationally. Gone is liberalism’s sentiment that we are essentially isolated individuals bent on maximising our self-interest and in pursuit of ever-greater private profit and autonomy. Instead, the emphasis has shifted away from promoting greed and lust towards nurturing solidarity and celebrating fidelity to the people and the places we call home.
Content from our partners
