Liberalism today Flashcards
optimism post 1990
Collapse of Soviet Union 1989.
Emergence of new capitalist states in Eastern Europe.
Worldwide spread of economic liberalism e.g. illiberal states such as China and Russia
embraced market forces and capitalism.
UK and USA seemed to be assuming an even more liberal character.
State sponsored tolerance of diverse lifestyles e.g. UK same sex marriage 2013.
New Labour in UK embraced economic liberalism by revising Clause IV.
Concern for improved constitutional government became a recurrent feature in UK post
1997.
challenges to liberalism
Terrorism, e.g. 9/11 in US, and 2005 in UK. Emerging threat of terrorism blatantly challenges
most basic liberal values – nature of response to terrorism also threaten values.
Among certain religious communities in western states there is growing support for radical
faith based politics which defies toleration.
Globalisation brought problems, e.g. increased migration backlash.
Increased support for UKIP, Trump – populist political movements – BREXIT.
Financial crash 2008 and economic crises in Eurozone post 2013.