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Liberalism and the Idea of Just Society

Harikumar Pallathadka1, Sanjeev Kumar 2 and Laxmi Kirana Pallathadka3
1
Manipur International University, Imphal, Manipur, INDIA.
2
Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, INDIA.
3
Manipur International University, Imphal, Manipur, INDIA.
2
Corresponding Author: [email protected]

www.ijrah.com || Vol. 2 No. 6 (2022): November Issue

Date of Submission: 13-10-2022 Date of Acceptance: 04-11-2022 Date of Publication: 23-11-2022

ABSTRACT

At the beginning of the third century, liberalism was the preferred philosophy. It is not easy to define any political
party, as with conservatism. Liberal ideology dates back to the end of the seventeenth century when the political turbulence of
England's middle civil wars left the nation in a state of great social upheaval. Following this, the nineteenth century is explored,
and significant ideas of ‘classical' and ‘New' liberalism are described. Before the First World War, the limits of British
liberalism were already apparent, and its decline was virtually total throughout the interwar period. In light of the demise of
Soviet communism in the late 1980s and the subsequent rise of liberal capitalist democracy, we review the rebirth of liberalism.
An investigation of some of the current failings of liberalism is conducted, and the authors predict the fate of liberalism.

Keywords- Liberalism, Society, Idea, Ideology, Rights.

I. INTRODUCTION Revolution, particularly with the rise of Napoleon.

Democratic governments were formed throughout
The origins of liberalism as a distinct political Europe, North America, and South America in the 19th
ideology initially arose during the Enlightenment. It century. Liberalism had tough intellectual challenges
spread among Western philosophers and economists. after conservatism, but it withstood them from the rise of
The idea of Liberalism had little patience with the fascism and communism. As liberal democratic
traditions of hereditary power, official religion, and governments prevailed in the great wars, the ideology of
absolute monarchy. John Locke may be credited with liberalism gained even more adherents. Social liberalism
helping found liberalism. Locke was a prominent became a critical component in creating the welfare state
English philosopher and political theorist from the 17th in Europe and North America. All across the globe,
century. Locke's Two Treatises of Government, liberal parties continue to exert influence and authority.
published in the 17th century, is often regarded as the The free market and capitalism that liberalism
earliest work on liberalism. Locke believes that only the is known for may be traced back to 18th-century Scottish
consent of the governed can bestow legitimacy on moral philosopher Adam Smith, best famous for his
political power. In Locke's view, the government is magnum opus, The Wealth of Nations. Smith argues that
meant to safeguard its people's lives, liberty, and successful economic development for society requires
property. Locke also believed in a restrained the breakdown of jobs and independent decision-makers
administration and a distinct executive branch, as well as working in their self-interest. A more specific way is that
laws and legal precedent. An armed uprising against a the economy can be made stronger for everyone by
perceived oppressive ruling class was justified in the encouraging more competition.
Glorious Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Liberalism is a political philosophy that
French Revolution by the liberal ideas of leading radical prioritizes individual rights and social mobility, ensuring
thinkers. Liberalism took off following the French that the most valuable citizens of a nation may attain

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satisfaction and fulfillment. Individualism, rationality, and giving people the opportunity to choose. Liberalism
freedom, fairness, and tolerance are the core tenets of is a 180-degree turn from conservatism.
liberalism. Liberalism asserts that humans are self-
determining first and foremost and therefore proposes V. CONCEPT OF LIBERALISM
that the most significant attainable freedom for each
individual should be balanced with similar freedom for Liberalism is a set of ideas on the ideals of
others. Liberals believe everyone should be respected individual liberty, equality, and free enterprise, all of
and given equal chances regardless of their different which are governed by the principles of limited and
degrees of ability or willingness to work and support the democratic government and the rule of law. The
concept of meritocracy. A diverse and pluralistic culture liberalism political philosophy, originating from the
defines liberal society with liberal equality as its Latin words for liberty and equality, is a comprehensive
framework. Constitutionalism and consent are two worldview that permeates politics. The freedom of
fundamental concepts that are essential to liberal society. people is central to the Liberal worldview, say thinkers.
Until the early nineteenth century, liberalism was not a
II. POLITICAL LIBERALISM well-known political concept. However, liberal views
and ideals had been cultivated through time due to major
A political ideology is a cohesive group of social transformations, which could be traced back as far
ideas on the role of government and politics. Its broad as ancient Greece and Rome, with minor divergences
spectrum of stability may characterize a political from the basic tenets. Liberalism and support for free
ideology. Human thought was the source of this new markets and private property rights are also strongly
product. The belief was that human development was connected with economic freedom.
destined to occur. Every human being should be treated
the same in the eyes of the law, and no one was allowed VI. EVOLUTION
to be above the law (Vincent Geoghegan, Rick Wilford,
2014). Liberalism is different from other political
Additionally, it was thought that everyone was ideologies because it places primary importance on the
born free and could excel in one skill or another, individual in all facets of life-social, economic, and
regardless of their opportunities. Liberals believed that political. Individual well-being is the benchmark to
all governments should reflect the interests of their determine the appropriateness of norms, traditions,
people, not be controlled by them. As Hansen, Curt, and policies, and institutions. Adam Smith's notion of the
Curtis (2008) note, freedoms like assembly, speech, invisible hand and Friedrich Hayek's theory of
press, and protection from arbitrary arrest would be spontaneous order show that individual interest and the
required to accomplish this. common good are not opposed. Liberalism is the concept
that enables individuals to discover what policies are
III. LIBERALISM needed to create harmony between personal profit and
public benefit: limited government, the rule of law,
Liberalism is a dominant political philosophy in private property, open competition, and voluntary
Western and the United States. In contrast to classical exchange.
liberalism, which concentrates on liberty, social Liberalism in India has passed through three
liberalism emphasizes equality. Although Liberals have distinct phases. The first stage includes concern for
a wide-ranging perspective, they typically favor concepts worldly life and materialism, the second is concerned
and programs such as freedom of speech, freedom of with social reforms and political independence, and the
religion, freedom of the press, free markets, civil rights, third is concerned with economic and social freedom. I
democracy, secular governance, and international will now provide a quick overview of the history of the
cooperation. Liberalism is the ideology of the liberalization of the economy and society.
industrialized West, which is characterized as a political
movement (Vincent Geoghegan, Rick Wilford, 2014). VII. ANCIENT LIBERALISM OF
Even while liberals' confidence in defense of individual MATERIALISM
liberty is unwavering, the definition of the term "liberty"
has continued to evolve throughout time. As a part of India's 2,500 year-old civilization,
there must be some thinking today that we call liberal or
IV. MEANING OF LIBERALISM libertarian. Liberalism is a way of life for the
earthbound, except how people feel about the hereafter.
Liberalism is a political philosophy that In the Indian philosophical tradition, the life that follows
believes in civil freedoms such as free speech and the earthly one has been of particular interest, with its
religious tolerance, extensive public involvement in linkages with the one before it. Evaluating present and
politics, and the removal of regulations on capitalism. past actions, one may plan for their future. However,
Liberals' primary interest is protecting individual liberty
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many philosophers who advanced the philosophy of life X. LIBERALISM OF ECONOMIC

brought in earthly enjoyments and material elements to FREEDOM
frame their ideas. Charvak was the most famous of these
theorists. Liberalism began with an emphasis on living a The government's authority was challenged
decent and virtuous life here on Earth. initially, with Professor B R Shenoy's notable dissent
over the Second Five-Year Plan. He fought vehemently
VIII. MODERN LIBERALISM OF against planning, state ownership, privatization of state
SOCIAL REFORMS businesses, prudent monetary policy, foreign assistance,
open competition, and free trade until he died in 1978. A
Liberalism in India started in the middle and D Shroff, a Bombay businessman, has launched a Free
late nineteenth century when social reform movements Enterprise Forum to educate the general public on the
were popular. Through the Arya Samaj and Brahmo vices of private sector planning and virtues. M R Pai has
Samaj organizations, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Gopal capably carried out the Forum's purpose. Among the
Krishna Gokhle, and others began a comprehensive founding members of the Swatantra Party, Minoo
campaign against the oppressive societal norms of sati Masani founded numerous groups dedicated to
and bans on widow remarriage. These movements independence. He advocates liberal ideas and policies in
gained popularity in eastern and western India and still his magazine, Freedom First. Despite the liberal efforts
have followers. Even though it began early, this area of to deal with the issue, the problem remained
social progress has a long way to go since rising overwhelming. However, the country took its first steps
aspirations for independence from the British led to the toward liberalization when it abolished the restrictive
decline of social reform liberalism and the development licensing and permission system during a foreign-
of political independence reforms. exchange crisis in 1991. In the modern world, the WTO
sets the rules of international commerce. However
IX. LIBERALISM OF POLITICAL reluctant, India will continue to reduce barriers and open
trade. The WTO provides a convenient excuse for
FREEDOM politicians who are hesitant to speak about this issue.
Professor Shenoy's earlier work provides a framework
With intense debates and conversations, the for this next stage of liberalization. There is a significant
activists were not just discussing how to persuade the lack of awareness among political and intellectual
British to leave India. They also considered the leaders about the broader policies and structures that
governmental and economic structure that India would may conflict with personal interests.
need to use after it gained its freedom. Freedom warriors While Former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao
and social reformers alike rallied under the Congress and Former Finance Minister Manmohan Singh were
Party flag. Many prominent freedom fighters, exposed to directly responsible for the 1991 liberalization, they had
and drawn to Fabian socialism, influenced the discourse different objectives for pursuing their policies. Rao
over India's future political and economic institutions. himself admits that his policies were a blunder. Dr.
The Socialists established a separate congress, the Singh has remained faithful to the liberal platform but
Liberal Party. The Liberal Party was then further split by has done nothing to advance it with the general people.
liberal dissenters, although both the Congress Party and Technocrats control the reform agenda. If it did not have
the liberal parties continued to operate under the same public support, it would be impossible to implement the
political cover. The Congress Party had exclusive more complex changes, such as denationalization of
authority over the freedom fight, regardless of whether it banking and insurance, the privatization of PSUs,
was for social or political liberty. It is worth noting that liberalization of agricultural and labor markets, and
some of these measures were needed because of the abolishing the small-scale sector reserve. Strong growth
paradoxes in state-led development. The state's rates, such as those of the early and mid-1990s, could
supremacy had choked off the initiative of private not be achieved without these changes.
citizens and left lofty goals perpetually short of In the 1990s, liberal organizations developed to
resources. The state has to participate in company-level support the work of preceding liberal organizations.
planning and extensive, comprehensive state-level Mumbai is home to the AYBI, Loksatta, Liberty
planning and distribute each penny of capital wisely, Institute, and the Indian Liberal Group (ILG) of New
balancing all the time needs and luxury to avoid wasting Delhi. CCS and another organization, the Indian Liberal
any resource. While Jawaharlal Nehru was in power, he Group, are in Mumbai, whereas CCS and my other
had implemented democratic socialism; after his rule, organization, the Indian Liberal Group, are in New
Indira Gandhi implemented a "license-permit-quota" Delhi. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation helped
socialism. She had a unique Indian socialist ideology. establish and operate several of these organizations. For
Once started, there was no way to avoid sliding down the example, the Center's founding got financial assistance
slippery slope of planning, with its relentless march of from the Foundation headed by Dr. Rainer Adam. Since
more and greater government involvement and control. then, the Foundation has helped the Centre in several

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ways. The Center was instrumental in helping fund punished. The law must treat everyone fairly (equality
South Asian delegates to the renowned Mont Pelerin under the law). If this does not happen, the law itself is
Society's Asia regional conference, co-hosted in Goa, subject to arbitrary treatment, directly conflicting with
India, from January 27-31, 2002. The society was the rule of law concept. Enforcement of the law is a need
founded in India and was first convened in the country. for the rule of law.
All people and authorities alike must obey the
XI. HUMAN RIGHTS law. A rule of law principle limits the powers of a
democratically elected person or leader. Even a president
A fundamental commitment to human rights is or prime minister may face criminal prosecution or jail
first. As a member of society, every human being has the time for abuse of power. When authority is limited, the
right to certain things. Their purpose is to protect a rule of law helps maintain the separation of the three
person's dignity and independence. Violations of human branches of government. By this reasoning, we can
rights can elicit rage, hatred, and instability. They are avoid judicial corruption.
vital to the well-being of society and the maintenance of Even though equal treatment under the law is
peace. ensured, the law also prohibits discrimination and
People's fundamental rights, such as dignity, preferential treatment for particular groups of people.
life, freedom of religion, freedom from slavery, freedom Laws should never enable preferential treatment for
of belief, freedom of speech, freedom of association, are specific people and particular prejudice against others.
all examples. There can be no such thing as the rule of law in
Liberation from slavery is an unassailable right tyrannies and totalitarian regimes, also known as
that is not subject to compromise. Nevertheless, is governance under law. Both conditions deny equality
freedom of speech enough? For example, you can not let under the law and judicial independence.
individuals scream “fire” in a packed theatre when there
is no fire. Such a move would create fear and injury to XIV. PERSONAL LIBERTY
others. However, liberals generally oppose censorship
since governments frequently use it to stifle opposing These liberal values are based on the idea that
ideas and opinions. individuals and their rights and duties are essential. Each
individual is valuable. Liberals think that everyone
XII. EQUALITY should make their own decisions and not be
micromanaged all the time. People have the right to
Equality is one of the critical fundamental choose the life they wish to lead, but they should not
human rights. There is disagreement over what equality prevent others from doing the same. Thus, your right to
implies, just as with other fundamental rights. All swing your arms without hindrance ends when it
liberals will agree that equality implies that interferes with someone else's freedom to do the same.
discrimination cannot be tolerated. An example is that Individual liberty is the underpinning of all the
discrimination based on color (black or white), gender other previously mentioned concepts. Liberalism also
(male or female), or religion cannot exist in a court of requires us to tolerate divergent views, even those that
law (Christian or Muslim). In certain areas, women are conflict with our own. A writer of renown said, “Though
still given less weight than men in a court of law. This I do not agree with what you have to say, I would defend
inequitable treatment is evident. to the death your freedom to express it.”
Do people also have to be paid the same wage
and live in the same residence? Liberals will say “no” to XV. PROPERTY RIGHTS
more chances for the poor but insist that all people have
the same opportunity to better their life. They stress In the economic sphere, liberals emphasize the
educational reform as a means to this end. In other importance of individual liberty and individual rights.
words, liberals support equal treatment under the law When you look at history, you see that individual
and equal access to opportunities. freedom and rights are rooted in the idea of property
rights.
XIII. RULE OF JUSTICE First, the idea that individuals may possess
property is an important concept. It is fundamentally true
Unless they are enforced, laws and constitutions that no one can be someone else's slave. It is possible for
are worthless. One of the core principles of the rule of someone in this position to possess additional property,
law is that law must reign. Laws govern, not people. In a such as clothing, books, furniture, land, homes, vehicles,
liberal democracy, laws are passed via the democratic and even intellectual property, which is sometimes
agreement of elected representatives, not by a person or termed intellectual property.
organization exercising authority. Next, owners of property should be allowed to
It follows that this rule of law establishes order. freely purchase and sell others' property, as well as meet
Only when the law has violated the law may you be amicably to trade their own. It can only happen in a

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business environment free of influence from the the only system where these values may exist. The word
economy. represents a union of liberal and democratic ideals.
Liberalism is based on personal freedom and the
XVI. FINANCIAL LIBERTY preservation of such freedom. In reality, democracy
means the rule of the majority, which may be tyranny if
One of the critical elements of economic the majority is in charge. Such an occurrence would
freedom is human choice, joining and competing in enable lawmakers to enact legislation that places ethical
markets, and the right to defend people and property minorities at a disadvantage.
against violence. There are legal procedures and a fair process of
The choice of economic freedom means that democracy that are part of the constitution to provide
customers may choose what they deem to be best for equal protection for everyone in a liberal democracy.
themselves while also granting people the ability to Because of this, extra consideration must be given to
establish their enterprises or participate in legal specific provisions that exist for minorities to pass a law.
commerce with other countries. Companies are free to The majority cannot enact legislation that helps them,
compete fairly with each other. but that infringes on the rights of the minority. If they
Freedom for individuals and free markets can, they may appeal to the constitutional court.
provide advantages for everyone. Overall, it yields a rise The rule of law is essential to liberal
in income and prosperity. It is shown through empirical democracy, and it restricts the authority of the state
research that economic freedom correlates with while assuring judicial independence. A system of
prosperity and poverty. They also demonstrate a checks and balances is in place to guarantee that the
connection where the more economically free a country government does not have unlimited authority to do
is, the greater its employment rate. anything it pleases, with public scrutiny of its activities
The options are available to individuals, and to back it up.
voluntary trade decreases in heavy taxes and regulation. A liberal democracy believes in the importance
Their actions also restrict economic freedom by limiting of diversity and open-mindedness. It regards differences
access to many fields and activities. of opinion as natural and even helpful. Many people are
The exact opposite is true: A country that seeks correct or incorrect. If something is wrong, honest
a free market in which economic freedom is prioritized discussion and debate amongst individuals with
would want to maintain trade obstacles, such as tariffs conflicting beliefs and convictions may make it right.
and taxes, at their lowest possible levels. People are There is no chance to know what people desire, or ideas
treated equally when it comes to free commerce and may be better without dialogue.
economic opportunity.
A well-functioning market and private XIX. THE IDEA OF A JUST SOCIETY
enterprise system offer merchants, companies, and
consumers economic freedom and profit. With freedom John Stuart Mill and other philosophers revived
of choice, consumers may buy from manufacturers or interest in a "just society" when they questioned, "What
suppliers who provide the best quality, price, and is a 'just society'?" Their papers addressed many views.
service. These included the notion that people should be given to
everyone, even those who deserve first, so long as they
XVII. GOVERNMENTAL ACTION MAY did not violate rights to others. John Stuart Mill's
HELP BOOST ECONOMIC Utilitarianism, a treatise released in 1861, was headed
"The Subjection of Women." In this famous article, Mill
FREEDOM argues that it is preferable to focus on the "common
good" rather than the "good of the few." In order to do
It established laws that enable even-handed so, he adds, policymakers must consider the "interests of
contract enforcement and protection against assault, the many" and collaborate with the general public to
coercion, and fraud. Enabling the populace to access create programs and communities that benefit everyone.
sound money, Avoiding any activity that limits the
ability of people and companies to make their own
choices, engage in voluntary exchanges, and compete
XX. WHAT IS A JUST SOCIETY
freely. The market economy is the label for an economy
with a high degree of economic freedom. A just society should provide;
1. Everyone needs to have an equal chance to succeed.
There must be no prejudice in any regard.
XVIII. DEMOCRATIC LIBERALISM 2. There is equitable respect for everyone, regardless
of economic class, background, or other distinctions.
When you consider the values on their own, 3. Offering free education to all: This will assist with
liberal democracy does not have the fundamental implementing the first objective.
principles of democracy. However, liberal democracy is

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4. Society cannot be strong if it is filled with sick XXIII. LIBERALISM AND

people. Provide free primary health care to all citizens. REVOLUTION
I have heard that physicians used to get a During the rebellions in America and France,
monthly salary to maintain their patients in good health, the revolutionaries used liberal thought to justify violent
and if they became sick, the doctors had to pay for the resistance against oppressive authority. During the
expense. The underlying concept is excellent, but it need nineteenth century, liberalist political philosophy guided
not be similar. the establishment of governments in European, Latin
When it comes to governance, lack of American, and North American countries. Liberal
transparency is the source of many issues. ideologies grew in popularity in the twentieth century. In
the West, Liberalism has been the dominant intellectual
XXI. PRINCIPLES OF JUST SOCIETY force influencing political thought. The fact is, some
academics define liberalism as a Western concept that
1. Every individual has inherent dignity and value, coincides with Western culture. Liberalism came about
regardless of social status. because of the decline of feudalism and the rise of a
2. People are not just sophisticated socioeconomic, and capitalist society in its stead. Although liberalism was
materialistic machines are only one aspect of their once popular among the middle class, the commoner has
nature. In addition, they are spiritual creatures with the embraced it in recent years. Both capitalism and
rights and duties conferred by God. Everyone is a union liberalism have been intimately tied together since their
of body and spirit created to connect with God, one's origins. Liberalism as a political concept has existed
neighbor, and the planet. from the beginning. It opposed authoritarianism and
3. Because biblical religion teaches that God evaluates aristocratic privilege, arguing favoring a constitutional
nations by treating the least advantaged, every policy, government and, subsequently, representative
governmental and private, must be assessed by its effect governance. Laissez-faire capitalism was extolled by
on the poor and disadvantaged. classical liberalism in the 19th century, and all kinds of
4. Both government and civil society should aim to government intervention were criticized.
promote healthy, two-parent households. Nonetheless, from the late nineteenth century
5. Every individual and family must be given equal on, a social liberal ideology, typical of contemporary
access to the productive resources they need (without liberalism, came to have greater regard for the welfare
regard to race, religion, or gender) to make a livelihood and economic involvement. Francis Fukuyama (1992)
and be an honorable member of society. and other theorists claimed that the last century ended
6. Everyone who can work should do so, and society, with a definitive, global victory of liberalism. It was
when feasible, should provide everyone with job believed to mirror the fall of all plausible economic and
opportunities. Every employee who shows up to work political alternatives to market capitalism and liberal
regularly should get a reasonable wage. democracy.
7. To be treated with respect and dignity is essential to
society caring for people who cannot take care of XXIV. CLASSICAL VS MODERN
themselves.
LIBERALISM
XXII. CONCEPT OF JUST SOCIETY There are significant differences between
classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
In our view, an ideal society embodies liberty,
equality, social justice, and tolerance. The complete
fulfillment of this idea has so far been just a concept,
XXV. CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
although many civilizations are working hard to achieve
it. Classical liberalism's foundation in politics was
What does it mean to have a socially fair society? formed in the social revolutions of the sixteenth century.
How human rights are expressed in the daily The late medieval period envisioned the dissolution of
lives of individuals in all societal strata is social justice. feudalism and the growth of absolutism. Additionally,
There are a variety of social justice movements fighting the pope's influence declined, and religious reform
for change in society. became apparent throughout Europe. One way that rulers
Why is liberalism critical? were required to enforce compliance was to make
Liberalism is a political philosophy that Roman Catholicism or Protestantism compulsory.
advocates the individual's freedom as the primary Conflicts arose among and among the states because of
concern of politics. Liberal thinkers often think that this procedure. The Thirty Years' War, which took place
government must be there to safeguard people from the from 1618 to 1648, resulted in significant damage to
dangers of other people. However, they also understand Europe. As industrialization picked up pace in the
that government may threaten personal liberty. coming century, the middle class came into being. They

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hoped for more political involvement and financial development of fascism and communism. Fascism and
independence. The Glorious Revolution in England in communism, with their new and young outlook, were
1688, the French Revolution in 1789, the American seen as a fresh alternative to the worn-out worldview
Revolution from 1775-83 were all spurred by these dominant for years.
reasons. Political liberalism developed as a way of Liberalism, however, was victorious in the
thinking in this scenario. twentieth century's ideological struggles. After the
Classical liberalism is a political philosophy in Second World War, the world had rid itself of fascism
which the state's only role is to maintain order and keep and communism. The progressivism of free trade and
its citizens safe. Liberals from the Classical period modest social programs was warmly praised. Western
believe that humans are self-centered and self-sufficient dominance in the economic, military, technological, and
and should be responsible for their own lives and cultural spheres marked the end of the century, and this
situations. The benefits of a free market, where had an impact on Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as
government interference is regarded as both unneeded well as the former Soviet Union's states, where liberal
and destructive, are prized by classical liberals as an economic systems, political institutions, and moral
economic concept. The foundations of libertarian values became the norm. Despite this, Western
thought are outlined in classical liberal concepts such as liberalism and Western dominance have been
the natural rights theory and utilitarianism. challenged.
Basic classical liberalism is the liberal view that No other time in history has liberalism had such
stresses limiting government authority to protect sway. Several writers, including Friedrich von Hayek,
individual freedom. An answer to urbanization and the Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, Ronald Dworkin, Robert
Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the ideology Nozick, Karl Popper, Milton Friedman, and Michael
came to be known as modernism. This group supports Walzer, revived their liberalism when the Soviet Union
civil rights and believes in minimal government, private collapsed in the early 1990s. Among other right-wing
property, and free-market economics. think tanks, the Adam Smith Institute, the Institute of
Directors, and the Freedom Association joined the neo-
XXVI. MODERN LIBERALISM liberal assault on the social-democratic state by making
policy recommendations. During the 1970s, British and
Despite its success in certain parts of the world, American conservatives were looking to solve long-term
the free market system showed many difficulties by the economic stagnation. They found a host of academics
late nineteenth century in England and North America. and politicians who proposed private initiatives and a
Although the public gained relatively minor, a few large decreased role for the government as the answer.
corporations held most of the profits from the booming As a defining concept in the 1980s, neo-liberal
industry. The rich-poor divide has been expanded economics, often called “classical liberalism,”
substantially as a result. Additionally, since the poor dominated Western societies. The economic policy
could not afford to buy what was being produced, there known as Reaganomics was used in the US, whereas
was an excess of supply, which caused depression. At analogous Thatcherism was used in the UK. The idea
the same time, as the wealthy acquired influence, they took hold in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and others,
were able to use their power to influence politics and and it came about under both conservative and liberal
control competition. Early-twentieth-century liberals governments. They each tried to privatize state-owned
envisioned changes because of this situation. The Mill is assets, cut income taxes, and decrease the power of
credited as being the key figure in liberal philosophy, unions while providing less social services but were met
and he impacted their views considerably. with different levels of success. The liberal credo (civil
rights, devolution, and communitarianism) has been a
XXVII. THE LIBERAL IDEOLOGIES OF core component of British political life since the New
Labour Party adopted it in the 1990s. While parties on
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY opposite sides of the political spectrum disagree on
divorce, abortion, and homosexuality, there is consensus
Liberalism's dominance marked the early part on all these matters.
of the twentieth century. It was a crucial component of After achieving success, the liberal parties, such
the world's leading nations, which secured their empires as the Liberal Democrat Party/ British Liberal, found
by building political, economic, social, and cultural they now had more work to perform. Voters who
progress on the shoulders of liberal triumphs of the emerged from the post-war period associated the Liberal
previous century. Party with the center-ground. In 2001, the Liberal
Even when this loss occurred, liberalism still Democrats' opinions on taxation, refugees, and
held favor. After the war, the Treaty of Versailles proved immigration, as well as public spending, constitutional
as unhelpful as the League of Nations. Liberalism was reform, and other issues, started to move to the left of
unable to provide a booming global economy throughout Labour's positions. Over the previous decade of working
the interwar period. It, however, did manage to launch with the Labour Party, which was sometimes referred to
another military campaign in 1939 to oppose the
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as a "crucial alliance," a fundamental rift has formed keep things the exact causes liberals to turn to historical
within the Liberal Democrats. Even though the strategy approaches. Politicians who favor tax increases and
had proven effective in 1997 and 2001, by helping the more government intervention often seem to conflate
Liberal Democrats to gain a substantial representation in their interests with socialism.
the House of Commons, it was unsuccessful in 2010. Even with all these doubts and worries about
Liberalism has been attacked in various forms the nature of liberalism, its goals, and its purpose, it is
throughout the globe. The United States shifted comprehensible. The Democratic Party's ability to self-
dramatically to the right with the election of George W. evaluate and improve is well-known. If you think about
Bush in 2000 concerning welfare, abortion, crime, and humanity's direction in the future, it seems clear that
international affairs. The rise of religious extremism in Western liberalism will play a key role. Instead of
the Islamic world, the resurgence of nationalism in the pretending to be appalled or looking away, we should be
Middle East and the Balkans, and the proliferation of admitting and enjoying it. So, it may turn out to be
racist and fascist groups in Europe were even more incorrect in the future, and I would not know.
troubling. While the liberal principles of globalization
and the globalizing process were debated, globalization XXVIII. CONCLUSION
was closely associated with liberalism.
Higher-level philosophical problems also Today, the most prominent world philosophy is
occurred. The premise that human nature is inherently Liberalism, particularly in the West. Classical liberalism
good has been reversed by animal behavior studies, came into being in the late 1700s, with a significant
which indicate that the actions of both humans and expansion throughout the 1800s. Liberal ideology
animals are connected. Environmentalists have attacked underwent a thorough reappraisal in the early twentieth
liberal and totalitarian regimes for failing to address the century, resulting in the emergence of new liberalism.
damage done to the environment. As well, the notion The individual's rights depend on several different and
that the individual was the sole moral judge of society particular issues. The rights of citizens are the focus of
was no longer tenable, since it would degenerate into any administration. Liberals have a rosy view of the
debauchery and chaos, to be succeeded by either some future and humanity's place in it. Despite holding
populist fanaticism or a form of an authoritarian freedom in high regard, the public views the state as a
response. threat to personal liberty. Being ruled by the mob is just
However, being on the barricades is not a real as dangerous as any tyrants. Private property and free
option for liberals since they face the dilemma of markets are suitable for the economy, but they may
whether to be on the other side. Should the UK military come at the expense of other liberties.
participation in Kosovo in 1998 be characterized as Moreover, they do this even though most
"humanitarian war" (pro) or "imperialism" (con)? people view national independence as a good thing.
Although liberals had been involved in the fight for free Liberalism triumphed in the twentieth century, but this
choice and human rights, they were just as likely to victory has been difficult, as the two primary opponents
demonstrate against police brutality, which often ended it vanquished, fascism and communism, can attest. The
in deaths. free market does not provide equal access to social
The victory of the Cold War seemed to have put opportunities. Things have worsened despite the absence
an end to the last of the world's great totalitarian regimes of any convincing resolutions to these issues, including
and the chaos they brought about. Liberal-capitalist crime, poverty, terrorism, and environmental
democracy was considered the most effective method to devastation. Liberalism's unique talent is its capacity to
ensure individual freedom, growth, intellectual self-reflect and adapt, making it an attractive ideology
advancement, and a higher quality of life. A sense of for the future.
uncertainty then followed this lack of trust.
As the welfare state had not yet arrived, before DISCLOSURE
the emergence of these social concerns, it was thought
that they were problems that would not be solved, such This research paper has been presented as a
as drug addiction and environmental damage. full-length paper at the International Conference on
Unfortunately, the idea of liberty, which is the Humanities, Sciences & Technical Education (IC-HSTE-
foundation of liberal thought, has been confused with 2022) organized on 25th and 26th February 2022 at
license, a lack of self-respect, and regard for others' Thakur College of Engineering and Technology situated
rights. at Kandivali (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Social democracy, an intellectual movement,
was being pushed by both the left and the right. Despite
ideological differences, both the left and the right took
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ISSN (Online): 2583-1712
Volume-2 Issue-6 || November 2022 || PP. 107-115 https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.2.6.14

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