Freedom from Fear: An Incomplete History of Liberalism

Alan Kahan's Freedom from Fear provides a new history of liberalism that explores how it is both a response to fear and a source of hope. He reveals how liberal arguments typically rely on three pillars: freedom, markets, and morals, and how ignoring one or more of these pillars can lead to failure. The book combines fresh accounts of familiar figures with discussions of less-famous thinkers, and provides a road map for todays liberals to follow.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

A provocative and comprehensive new history of liberalism, Freedom from Fear offers a valuable roadmap for contemporary liberals. Written by Alan Kahan, this groundbreaking work delves into the evolution of Western liberalism from the late eighteenth century to the present, challenging traditional narratives and providing a fresh perspective on the dominant political and social theory of our time.

In a groundbreaking reframing of the historical debate, Kahan charts the development of Western liberalism, exploring the interplay between fear and hope as driving forces behind this ideology. He examines key liberal thinkers and issues, demonstrating how liberalism is both a response to fear and a source of hope, aiming to create a world where no one need be afraid.

Freedom from Fear reveals the three pillars upon which liberal arguments typically rest: freedom, markets, and morals. However, Kahan argues that when liberals neglect one or more of these pillars, their arguments often fail to persuade. The book spans a wide range of historical figures, from Adam Smith and Montesquieu to contemporary debates between liberals and populists. It explores the twists and turns of the "incomplete" or unfinished liberal tradition, highlighting its fundamental continuity.

The book combines fresh accounts of familiar figures such as Tocqueville and Rawls with discussions of lesser-known but pivotal thinkers such as A. V. Dicey and Jane Addams. It delves into key issues that have shaped liberal thought and practice, including debates over male and female suffrage, colonialism, and liberal anti-Catholicism. By transforming our understanding of the history of liberal thought and practice, Freedom from Fear offers a new and insightful picture of the political creed today.

Kahan provides a clear roadmap for contemporary liberals, outlining the paths they need to follow, the questions they need to answer, and the dead ends they must avoid if they are to succeed in their pursuit of a more just and equitable society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in liberalism, politics, and social change, as it offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help guide us toward a better future.

Weight: 918g
Dimension: 167 x 245 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691191287