Freedom and Liberalism

Leviathan Wobbles and Wavers—But the Citizens are Ultimately Responsible for It

In Germany, there is a growing gap between the inflation of the state apparatus and its ability to fulfill its tasks. Politics suffers from political fantasies of omnipotence and constitutional ignorance. Who is to blame?

“Doux Commerce,” or the Peacemaking Power of Trade: Just a Dangerous Illusion?

Does trade among nations promote peace? The liberal-minded Enlightenment affirmed this under the phrase “doux commerce.” At present, however, we are witnessing how economically closely linked nations are at war with each other.

The Left’s Blindness to History: The Benevolent View of Russia Has Proved Fatal

It is perfectly legitimate to point out the dangers of an uncontrolled escalation of the Ukraine war. Left-wing intellectuals who do so, however, have largely adopted Putin’s propagandist view. Behind it, however, lies a dangerous ideology.

Genocide in Ukraine? A Western-Oriented Nation’s Fear of Extinction

An overview of Ukrainian history shows why the fight against the Russian aggressor is a matter of either supporting or not supporting the continued existence of Ukraine. The accusation that this is a form of genocide seems justified in this light.

Ukraine Defends Its Freedom—And That of Russia

For years, Russian propaganda has tried to spread the narrative of NATO endangering Russia’s security. However, with his war against Ukraine, Putin is trying to thwart a free, Western-oriented Ukraine because it is a threat to his power.

The State and Freedom—Are Classical Liberals Anarchists?

Individual freedom by itself is not a political good. Classical liberalism understood the state not only as a threat, but always as a guarantor of freedom. To this end, it can also restrict freedoms, as in the case of fighting a pandemic. Everything is a question of proportionality—and about this some people have justified doubts.

Freedom to Choose: A Cure for Illiberal Education

Attempting neutrality in public education ends up creating a systemic preference for a particular ethical standpoint. This creates a tension between public schools and the principle of liberal neutrality. This tension can be resolved without abandoning government-financed education through policies that are both popular and effective.

Socialism Is a Seductive Idea, but It Is Incompatible with Freedom and Prosperity

Why intellectuals have often advocated socialism, and why it is incompatible with freedom. The economist and book author Kristian Niemietz of the London Institute of Economic Affairs is interviewed by Stefan Beig.

The (Classical) Liberal Is No Relativist but Instead Grapples with the Truth

Today, anyone who claims that all opinions are of equal value is considered tolerant. Liberals therefore often define themselves as relativists and skeptics. But this is a big misunderstanding.

Has Liberalism Failed? Patrick Deneen’s Populist Anti-Liberalism: A Catholic Classical Liberal’s Response

In his book “Why Liberalism Failed” Patrick Deneen deals with all varieties of Liberalism. They are the fruit of a false image of man – an assertion which, however, proves to be questionable on closer inspection.

Has Liberalism Failed? A Response to Patrick Deneen (Short Version)

Has liberalism become a victim of its own success? A short version of the review and critique of Patrick Deneen’s book “Why Liberalism Failed.”

Fury vs. Freedom: The New Left-Right Conflict

Today, social debates are ignited from the political margins. When democracy is in crisis and social cohesion is crumbling, it is time for intellectuals to focus on the essentials. What is needed is an anti-totalitarian self-enlightenment from the political center.

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