The Death of Liberalism
Why liberalism is on the decline and what is causing it.
In recent years, the political landscape of the Western world has been defined by a series of electoral defeats for liberals and the left, coupled with an undeniable cultural shift in favor of more conservative and populist forces. From the rise of nationalist parties in Europe to the enduring appeal of leaders like Donald Trump in the United States, and the decline of Trudeau in Canada, it is clear that what used to be called “the Left” or the forces of liberalism are in retreat. Meanwhile, conservative movements continue to galvanize public support, often by addressing the economic and cultural anxieties that liberals have neglected or misunderstood.
This crisis of liberalism, while serious, is not irreversible. To chart a path forward, we must first examine the three key shifts that have alienated much of the public. These being: a move from economic to social issues, a prioritization of global over local concerns, and a loss of open-mindedness that once defined the liberal ethos.
The Shift from Economic to Social Issues
Historically, liberal and left-wing movements built their power by championing economic issues: workers’ rights, wage equality, access to healthcare, and fair taxation. These concerns resonated with a broad swath of society because they addressed tangible, everyday struggles. However, over the past few decades, there has been a marked shift in focus from economic to social issues, such as gender identity, racial inequality, and climate justice. While these issues are undoubtedly important, they often fail to strike the same chord with voters whose primary concerns revolve around job security, housing affordability, and rising living costs.
Take the 2016 U.S. presidential election as an example. Hillary Clinton’s campaign leaned heavily on messaging about diversity and inclusion, while Donald Trump zeroed in on economic grievances, promising to bring back jobs and renegotiate trade deals. For many voters in struggling industrial regions, Trump’s economic rhetoric resonated far more than Clinton’s emphasis on social progress. A similar dynamic played out in the 2019 U.K. general election, where Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party swept Labour strongholds in the so-called “Red Wall.” Many of these voters, feeling abandoned by Labour’s pivot to progressive social issues, turned to the Conservatives, who promised to deliver Brexit and invest in local infrastructure.
Furthermore, social inequalities are far more complex and multifaceted than economic ones. They cannot be effectively addressed through slogans, hashtags, or tokenistic policies. Issues like racial disparity require systemic, long-term interventions that liberals have often failed to articulate convincingly. By contrast, economic inequality is easier for voters to understand and rally around because it directly affects their standard of living. Until liberal movements return to prioritizing economic justice, they will continue to lose the trust of the working and middle classes.
The Shift from Local to Global Concerns
Another critical factor in the decline of liberalism is its shift in focus from local challenges to global issues. From climate change to international human rights, liberals have increasingly positioned themselves as champions of global causes. While these issues are undeniably important, they often feel distant and abstract to voters who are more concerned with local problems, such as deteriorating public services, rising crime rates, or a lack of affordable housing.
Consider the European Union’s struggles with populism. In countries like Italy, Hungary, and Poland, right-wing leaders have gained traction by criticizing liberal elites for being more concerned with international treaties and climate summits than with the immediate needs of their citizens. Matteo Salvini’s League Party in Italy, for instance, has built its success on promises to address immigration and boost domestic industries, while lambasting the EU for its perceived disconnect from ordinary Italians.
Similarly, in the United States, liberal politicians have often been criticized for prioritizing climate policy at the expense of local economic concerns. While the Green New Deal, for example, represents an ambitious and forward-thinking plan, its messaging failed to reassure voters in fossil fuel-dependent regions that their livelihoods would be protected. The result is a perception that liberals are aloof, disconnected, and more interested in virtue-signaling on the world stage than in solving problems closer to home.
This disconnect has been compounded by the fact that global challenges often require complex, long-term solutions that are difficult to communicate in clear, actionable terms. By contrast, conservative leaders offer simple, local-focused solutions—even if they are flawed or misleading—that resonate more strongly with voters. To regain relevance, liberals must strike a better balance between addressing global issues and demonstrating a genuine commitment to solving local problems.
The Shift from Open-Mindedness to Close-Mindedness
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of liberalism’s decline is its departure from the principles of open-mindedness and free expression that once defined it. In the mid-20th century, liberals were the champions of free speech, intellectual curiosity, and the exchange of ideas. Today, however, many liberal movements have embraced a culture of dogmatism, erecting taboos and speech codes that stifle debate and alienate potential supporters.
This shift is evident in the rise of “cancel culture,” where individuals or organizations are publicly shamed or ostracized for expressing unpopular opinions. While accountability is important, the current climate of intolerance has created a chilling effect on free speech, making liberals appear hypocritical and authoritarian. For example, high-profile controversies over invited speakers at universities have fueled perceptions that liberal institutions are hostile to dissenting viewpoints.
The backlash against this perceived intolerance has been a boon for conservative movements, which have positioned themselves as defenders of free speech and individual liberty. Figures like Jordan Peterson and Bari Weiss have gained substantial followings by criticizing what they see as the left’s authoritarian tendencies. In this context, liberalism’s shift away from open-mindedness has not only alienated its traditional supporters but has also ceded valuable cultural ground to its opponents.
Turning the Tide: How Liberalism Can Recover
The challenges facing liberalism are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. To regain cultural and electoral relevance, liberal movements must undergo a fundamental reorientation, addressing the three key shifts that have contributed to their decline.
First, liberals must refocus on economic issues. This means prioritizing policies that directly address inequality, such as progressive taxation, universal healthcare, and robust social safety nets. By placing economic justice at the center of their platforms, liberals can rebuild trust with working-class and middle-class voters who feel left behind by globalization and technological change.
Second, liberals must strike a better balance between global and local concerns. While global challenges like climate change cannot be ignored, they must be framed in ways that resonate with local communities. For example, climate policy can be tied to job creation in renewable energy sectors, emphasizing the tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. Similarly, liberals must demonstrate a genuine commitment to solving local problems, such as improving public infrastructure, reducing crime, and ensuring affordable housing.
Finally, liberals must return to their roots as champions of open-mindedness and free expression. This means fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and respectful debate, rather than one of dogmatism and censorship. By embracing diversity of thought and encouraging dialogue, liberals can reclaim their position as the defenders of liberty and progress.
Ultimately, the decline of liberalism is not inevitable. It is the result of specific choices and priorities that can—and must—be changed. However, this transformation will require a new generation of leaders who are willing to confront the movement’s failures and chart a bold, inclusive, and pragmatic path forward. Until then, the electoral losses will continue to mount, and the cultural wars will continue to be lost.