The Retreat of Western Liberalism

By: Edward Luce

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

In his widely acclaimed book Time to Start Thinking, Financial Times chief US columnist and commentator Edward Luce charted the course of America's relative decline, proving to be a prescient voice on our current social and political turmoil.

In The Retreat of Western Liberalism, Luce makes a larger statement about the weakening of western hegemony and the crisis of liberal democracy - of which Donald Trump and his European counterparts are not the cause, but a terrifying symptom. Luce argues that we are on a menacing trajectory brought about by ignorance of what it took to build the West, arrogance towards society's economic losers, and complacency about our system's durability - attitudes that have been emerging since the fall of the Berlin Wall. We cannot move forward without a clear diagnosis of what has gone wrong.

Combining on-the-ground reporting with intelligent synthesis of the literature and economic analysis, Luce offers a detailed projection of the consequences of the Trump administration, the rise of European populism, and a forward-thinking analysis of what those who believe in enlightenment values must do to defend them from the multiple onslaughts they face in the coming years.

©2017 Edward Luce (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

“Edward Luce provides a terrifying view of the challenges facing the West. We have to hope that his prophecies are self denying - something that is more likely if his penetrating analysis gets the wide attention it richly deserves.” (Lawrence Summers)

Good and broad political analysis

this Obama fan does a good job stepping back from the 2016 election and looking at the broader trends contributing to the rise of populism in the West.

while the tone is very bleak, the question he raised are important. in my view this is a good read regardless of where you stand politically.

Clear and Convincing

What made the experience of listening to The Retreat of Western Liberalism the most enjoyable?

OK, it is largely because he thinks about current events as I do,that I think he did a great job. But, he is a much clearer & deeper explainer of the reasons we are where we are in 2017, than I could ever hope to be.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

A good but not pedantically deep history of Western Liberalism and the social & economic bases of modern society. His story, to this student but not expert of history (me), rings true and his vantage point appears valuable

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The important point is his contribution to the understanding of how the liberal establishment lost and is still losing the working middle class citizens of the US and of Europe. That loss has been too easily dismissed as racism, rather than delving into the larger, deeper engines of that segment's dissatisfaction and the possible remedies.

Any additional comments?

A couple hours well spent.

AMERICAN MALAISE

Edward Luce offers a troubling picture of 21s century America.    His argument depends on one’s definition of “…Western Liberalism”.  If the definition is belief in human individuality and a relaxation of public custom, law, and authority, there is evidence to support Luce’s argument. 

Western liberalism needs to be reinvented by investment in a technological revolution for all Americans, not just those who have benefited from the industrial revolution.  The question is whether private industry and the government are up to the task.  Will western liberalism be reinvented and promoted by ossified industrial leaders and elected representatives?  Most industry leaders and elected representatives are satisfied with the status quo while too many Americans struggle to make mortgage or rent payments.  Luce defines the problem but offers no solution.

Hard to swallow book with a digestible narration

A bit bleak, but a very insightful take on this topic. Of this genre of post-Trump think pieces, the author goes ahead and assumes a loss of American foreign dominance and political normalcy and focuses more on global trends.

Not for people who can't get on with the idea of "The West", but I'm not sure if the author really believes in that term either.

Let’s hold onto democracy

Mr Luce has a keen insight into the evolution and now seeming devolution of democracy. This book moves fast and is well-written. He incorporates economics, politics, and sociology to explain the rise of the right around the world, though his focus is primarily the east. He’s the reason I subscribe to FT. I look forward to his appearances on one of my favorite podcasts.

Insightful and Succinct

This was a a logical, thoughtful and convincing analysis of the current state of the world; unsettling as it may be.

Relevant, topical to today’s political and social environment.

Appreciate the perspective offered of current and post Trump society, and the need to address the economic stagnation of 60 percent of our population.

To note I have continued faith in the genius of our democracy, without the apparent ‘yellow alert’ implied in the book. I do not think any one president can ruin us.

I do heed the need to read - thank you Mr. Luce for a lucid read and valuable perspective.

Indispensable read

What is really happening to America? Read this book to find out. This inveterate journalist quotes historical fact and current data to tell s critical story. Having read this book, I consider myself reawakened to modern reality, and realize I must help do something about it.

must read!

if you want a glimpse at where the world is heading, you must read this book

Clear thinking cogently presented.

If you have ever wished for a new Toqueville to make sense of the current American mindset and terroir, and who hasn't, then this fine book is for you.