Three Faces of Postliberalism

Abstract

Abstract Postliberalism is a multifaceted current of ideas that aims to correct the errors and excesses of liberalism. It encompasses a number of shared ideas, including society as a covenant rather than a contract, liberty as freedom of care for oneself and others, and individual fulfillment combined with mutual flourishing. This chapter explores three faces of postliberalism: National Conservatism, Catholic integralism, and communitarian pluralism, arguing that the first is both antiliberal and ultraliberal rather than postliberal, while the second combines a postliberal political economy with a cultural vision that privileges the nation-state and confessional religion. The third face is more truly postliberal in offering constructive alternatives to contemporary liberalism anchored in a personalist outlook. A postliberal politics needs to build a pluralist democracy, decentralize the state, and promote mutualist markets. Only a postliberalism fusing economic justice with social solidarity and ecological balance can overcome deep divisions and avert an authoritarian backlash.