Reflections on the ‘Liberalism for the 21st Century’ Conference
Understanding Authoritarianism Today
Recently, I attended the “Liberalism for the 21st Century” conference, organized by the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA). This event brought together thought leaders who discussed the escalating threat of authoritarianism, not just within the U.S. but globally. Founded by Shikha Dalmia, ISMA has become an essential platform for those concerned about the future of democracy.
Create Solidarity Amid Rising Threats
Despite the looming concerns about authoritarianism, the conference fostered camaraderie among various political thinkers who recognized the challenges ahead. However, the necessity of such a gathering reflects a troubling reality: many intelligent people feel compelled to confront an issue this severe. The juxtaposition of the conference’s discussions against the backdrop of National Guard troop deployments in Washington, D.C., underscored the gravity of our current situation.
The Impact of Militarized Policing
The growing militarization of police has been a recurring theme in discussions about U.S. governance. While many acknowledged this unsettling trend, the conversations often circled back to the possibility of a president utilizing military forces for control rather than protection. The distortion of national principles, pivoting toward authoritarianism, has raised alarms that are hard to ignore.
A Call to Action
At the conference, differing opinions emerged on the trajectory that led us here and the necessary steps forward. Some participants continued to defend the Supreme Court’s role, while others criticized its failure to provide checks against executive overreach. The insistence on its relevance amidst systemic abuses raises questions about the efficacy of our governmental structures. Are we observing a failure of vital institutions or the co-optation of their missions?
Cultural Wars and Their Misconceptions
Conversations at the conference also highlighted an unsettling blame placed on ‘wokeism’ and the left for the rise of authoritarian sentiments. Many attendees mistakenly associated recent political shifts with cultural issues that don’t align with actual events. Misinterpretations of campaigns and policies illustrate how misinformation can hinder productive discourse.
The Importance of Historical Context
Understanding the historical context of authoritarianism was another vital takeaway from the conference. A particularly moving address by Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza revealed the alarming parallels between Putin’s rise to power and current trends in the U.S. His insights into the manipulation of political narratives serve as a stark reminder of how fragile democracy can be when institutions are undermined.
Confronting the Future with Resolve
As discussions turned towards responses against authoritarian threats, participants echoed a crucial sentiment: robust defenses of democratic principles are essential. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s firm stance against Trump’s threats is a model for how to confront fascism effectively. As we reflect on these issues, rallying together to uphold our democratic values is more critical than ever, requiring courage and commitment from all sectors of society.
