Conclusion: Liberalism Today Flashcards
What event in 1989 contributed to liberal optimism?
The collapse of Soviet communism.
How did the emergence of new capitalist states in eastern Europe influence liberal thought?**
It supported the idea proposed by Francis Fukuyama that market economics and liberal democracy represented ‘the end of history,’ the goals to which all states eventually aspire.
What concept reinforced liberal optimism during the last decades of the twentieth century and the early twenty-first century?
The recognition of ‘globalization,’ or the worldwide spread of economic liberalism.
How did the behavior of states like China and Russia reflect the influence of globalization?
They eagerly embraced market forces and modern capitalism.
What argument did many modern liberal economists make regarding economic choices and political freedom?
They argued that once individuals are given economic choices, it becomes increasingly difficult to deny them political and philosophical choices as well.
These flashcards cover the key points related to liberal optimism and the influence of economic and political changes in recent decades.
How did the emergence of new capitalist states in eastern Europe influence liberal thought?
It supported the idea proposed by Francis Fukuyama that market economics and liberal democracy represented ‘the end of history,’ the goals to which all states eventually aspire.
What concept reinforced liberal optimism during the last decades of the twentieth century and the early twenty-first century?
The recognition of ‘globalization,’ or the worldwide spread of economic liberalism.
How did the behavior of states like China and Russia reflect the influence of globalization?
They eagerly embraced market forces and modern capitalism.
What argument did many modern liberal economists make regarding economic choices and political freedom?
They argued that once individuals are given economic choices, it becomes increasingly difficult to deny them political and philosophical choices as well.
How did society in established liberal democracies like the UK and the USA appear to change?
Society seemed to be assuming a more liberal character, with an emphasis on individual choice and self-determination.
What factors contributed to the extension of liberal doctrine in the UK and the USA?
State-sponsored tolerance of diverse lifestyles (e.g., legalization of same-sex marriage) and the revolution in communications (e.g., mobile phones, computers, Facebook, Twitter).
How did the widespread use of mobile phones and personalized computers affect society?
It made society increasingly oriented towards individualism by facilitating self-expression.
How did ‘New Labour’ in the UK reflect economic liberalism?
By revising Clause IV of the party’s constitution, which had previously committed the party to ‘common ownership.’
How did David Cameron’s Conservative Party embrace social liberalism?
By promoting same-sex marriage, among other measures.
What became a recurrent feature of UK governments after 1997, reflecting modern liberalism’s concern for improved constitutional government?
Various constitutional initiatives designed to bolster ‘government by consent,’ undertaken by both the Blair and Cameron governments.
What events after 2000 caused concern for liberals?
The atrocities on 11 September 2001 in the USA and 7 July 2005 in the UK, marking the rise and spread of Islamist terrorism.
How did the response of liberal democracies to Islamist terrorism challenge liberal values?
The response involved increased state security, heightened surveillance, and restrictions on immigration, which threatened liberal values such as tolerance.
What fears arose regarding certain religious communities in western states?
There was concern about growing support for radical, faith-based politics that defied the tolerant principles of the Enlightenment.
What problems accompanied the benefits of globalization, according to the text?
Increased migration, which led to backlash in many communities and the emergence of attitudes at odds with the liberal mindset.
