Postliberalism

Postliberalism is a political ideology and movement that critiques and opposes classical and social liberalism, particularly as developed in the late 20th and 21st centuries. Proponents argue liberalism's focus on individual rights, free markets, and limited government has eroded social cohesion, community, and traditional moral frameworks, as well as income inequality, a critique that opponents often characterize as a projection of the social fragmentation and economic nationalism endemic to postliberal politics itself. They advocate for a communitarian politics centered on social conservatism, social solidarity, and a stronger state role in shaping culture, often drawing on traditionalist conservative or religious thought.

Critics, including prominent political philosophers, historians, and democratic institutions, argue that postliberalism serves as an intellectual framework for democratic backsliding and illiberalism. They contend its critique of liberal democratic institutions, liberal individualism, and minority protections aligns it with authoritarian and national conservative projects, most notably the self-described "illiberal state" of Viktor Orbán's Hungary. The movement is associated with policies of economic nationalism, localism, and populist criticism of democratic norms.

Postliberals advocate for a communitarian approach that emphasizes social conservatism and social solidarity, often drawing on traditionalist conservative and religious frameworks. They are generally skeptical of liberal individualism, instead viewing individuals as being connected to networks of obligations within families, communities, tribes, and religious institutions. Postliberal thinkers support a greater role for the state in influencing culture and reinforcing shared values. The movement is associated with ideas such as economic nationalism, localism, and criticism of liberal democracy.