The Once and Future Liberal

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From one of the country’s most respected political thinkers comes an urgent call for American liberals to shift away from divisive identity politics and craft a unifying vision for the future. Mark Lilla provides a critical examination of the failures of American liberalism over the past two generations. Despite having Democrats in the White House and some policy successes, the dominant ideology of small government and self-reliance, championed by Ronald Reagan, has persisted for nearly 40 years. Lilla argues that the embrace of identity politics has led to disastrous outcomes, balkanizing the electorate and fostering self-absorption instead of solidarity. This focus on individualism has combined with the right's economic individualism, resulting in an electorate disconnected from a shared future and dismissive of the common good. In this context, liberals have lost the battle for the American imagination but now have a chance to reset. With the Republican Party in disarray, Lilla urges liberals to focus on winning elections and reclaiming institutions. The time for lecturing is over; reaching out and persuading people from diverse backgrounds is essential. A renewed sense of common purpose and duty among Americans is crucial. Lilla’s incisive and witty analysis makes this work vital for understanding our current political landscape.