Fight for Liberty

1. Liberal democracy faces unprecedented challenges from within and without

The forces of fear are mighty, but the armies of hope and of equality of opportunity have much to draw on in this fight.

External threats abound. Authoritarian regimes like Russia and China seek to undermine democratic institutions and values globally. They exploit social divisions, spread disinformation, and project power to reshape the world order in their favor. Internally, many democracies face rising populism, polarization, and erosion of democratic norms. Economic inequality, cultural anxieties, and distrust in institutions fuel these trends.

Democracy's resilience is tested. Key pillars like free speech, rule of law, and minority rights face pressure. Yet history shows democracy's capacity for self-correction and renewal. The current crisis demands recommitment to core democratic values and institutions. It requires:

• Strengthening civic education and engagement
• Reforming democratic processes to be more inclusive and responsive
• Countering disinformation while preserving free speech
• Addressing economic and social inequalities that breed discontent
• Renewing international cooperation among democracies

2. Free speech and a free press are essential pillars of liberal democracy

Truth has gone, but power and identity remain. And the contest is fought without any possibility of compromise or conciliation, because those both depend upon the belief that there is a fact of the matter and that it is the purpose of discussion to discover it.

A robust public discourse is vital. Free speech enables citizens to openly debate ideas, hold leaders accountable, and make informed decisions. It acts as a check on government power and facilitates social progress. A free press plays a crucial watchdog role by investigating wrongdoing and informing the public. However, both face new challenges:

• Social media amplifies misinformation and extreme views
• Political polarization inhibits reasoned debate
• Some leaders demonize critical media as "fake news"
• Private tech platforms wield growing power over speech

Safeguarding free expression requires:

• Strong legal protections for speech and press freedom
• Media literacy education to combat misinformation
• Norms of civility and fact-based discourse
• Diverse, financially viable news sources
• Transparency in content moderation by tech platforms

3. Economic liberty and free markets are vital for democratic prosperity

Make everyone free, it turned out (the experiment had never been tried before on such a scale), and you get masses and masses of people inspired and enabled to have a go.

Economic freedom empowers citizens. Free markets foster innovation, efficiency, and prosperity that support stable democracies. They disperse economic power, limiting government control. Key elements include:

• Property rights
• Rule of law in commerce
• Freedom of contract
• Open trade

Challenges persist. Income inequality, corporate concentration, and economic disruption fuel populist backlash against market economies. Maintaining public support for free markets requires:

• Effective regulation and antitrust enforcement
• Social safety nets and equality of opportunity
• Education and retraining for displaced workers
• Addressing market failures like climate change

Balancing economic dynamism with inclusive growth and sustainability is crucial for democracy's long-term health.

4. Immigration strengthens liberal democracies when managed thoughtfully

The United States was built by poor people escaping lives of drudgery, oppressed religious minorities seeking freedom to worship, idealists pursuing the promise of a better life for themselves and their children.

Immigration renews democracies. It brings new ideas, skills, and cultural vibrancy. Historically, immigrants and their descendants have made outsized contributions to democratic societies. Yet immigration also sparks controversy and backlash. Key challenges include:

• Integration of diverse newcomers
• Impacts on wages and public services
• Security concerns
• Cultural anxieties among existing populations

Effective policies balance openness and control. They might include:

• Clear, enforceable immigration laws
• Pathways to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants
• Language and civic education programs
• Economic policies to address impacts on native workers
• Celebrating immigrants' contributions to national identity

Democracies that successfully integrate immigrants often emerge stronger and more dynamic.

5. The rule of law and an independent judiciary safeguard democratic freedoms

Under a president who still does not acknowledge that either exists, it may still be impossible to change that mood inside the government. But outside the government there are opportunities to work on the problem—starting now.

Law constrains power. The rule of law ensures all are subject to clear, stable rules—including government officials. It protects individual rights and enables peaceful transfers of power. An independent judiciary is crucial to uphold the law impartially. However, both face threats:

• Political interference in courts
• Selective enforcement of laws
• Erosion of democratic norms and institutions
• Populist leaders portraying courts as obstacles

Strengthening rule of law requires:

• Robust separation of powers
• Mechanisms to ensure judicial independence
• Civic education on legal rights and processes
• Cultivating a culture of lawfulness
• International cooperation to uphold legal norms

When the rule of law weakens, democracy itself is imperiled.

6. Religious freedom is a cornerstone of liberal democracy

Faith lives in freedom, and freedom now needs its own defense of faith.

Freedom of conscience is fundamental. Religious liberty protects both believers and non-believers. It fosters pluralism and limits state power over individual thought. Key principles include:

• Freedom to practice any faith or none
• Separation of church and state
• Non-discrimination based on religion

Challenges persist globally. Religious persecution and sectarian conflict remain widespread. Even in democracies, debates rage over religious exemptions and the public role of faith. Balancing competing rights requires:

• Strong legal protections for religious liberty
• Respect for secularism in government
• Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
• Addressing root causes of religious extremism

Healthy democracies create space for diverse beliefs while maintaining secular governance.

7. American leadership remains crucial for upholding the liberal world order

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, intrinsic to these threats that would lead me to believe that they cannot be overcome. On the contrary, I believe we have all the necessary tools at hand to defeat these enemies.

US power shaped the postwar order. American leadership was pivotal in creating institutions like the UN, NATO, and global trading system that fostered peace and prosperity. This order now faces challenges from rising powers and internal strains. Yet alternatives like Chinese or Russian leadership offer far less freedom and opportunity.

Renewing American leadership requires:

• Reaffirming commitment to democratic allies
• Updating international institutions for new challenges
• Leading by example on democratic norms at home
• Addressing valid critiques of globalization's downsides
• Articulating a positive vision of democracy's promise

While imperfect, continued US engagement remains vital for global democracy and human rights.

8. Education and universities play a key role in sustaining democracy

If we in the university are to discharge faithfully our duties as an anchor of liberal democracy, we will need to reclaim our standing as an institution rich in dialogue and a diversity of ideas, reinforce our role as a stronghold for scientific reason and truth, make ourselves truly a place of equal opportunity rather than systemic advantage, and ensure we are doing all we can to foster our students' understanding of and commitment to institutions of democracy.

Knowledge empowers citizens. Education cultivates critical thinking, civic knowledge, and skills for democratic participation. Universities foster innovation and social mobility. Yet higher education faces challenges:

• Political polarization on campuses
• Concerns about free speech and ideological diversity
• Rising costs and inequality of access
• Debates over curriculum and purpose

Strengthening education's democratic role requires:

• Expanding access and affordability
• Teaching civic literacy and engagement
• Fostering viewpoint diversity and reasoned debate
• Conducting research on societal challenges
• Partnering with communities to address local needs

Education that prepares informed, engaged citizens is democracy's lifeblood.

9. Technological changes create both opportunities and threats for democracy

We seem enchanted by the democratization of journalism.

Digital tools reshape civic life. Social media and smartphones enable new forms of political engagement and information sharing. Yet they also amplify misinformation, polarization, and surveillance. Key challenges include:

• Online disinformation campaigns
• Echo chambers and filter bubbles
• Data privacy and manipulation
• Concentration of power among tech giants
• Cybersecurity threats to elections

Harnessing technology's democratic potential requires:

• Digital literacy education
• Transparency in online political advertising
• Updating privacy and antitrust laws
• Securing election infrastructure
• Fostering innovation in civic tech

Technology can either strengthen or undermine democracy—the choice is ours.

10. International cooperation and strong institutions support global democracy

These institutions were able to bring extraordinary blessings to hundreds of millions of people worldwide for two reasons. The first: like never before in history, the institutions encouraged globalized cooperation in matters that can overwhelm individual nations.

Democracy thrives through cooperation. International bodies like the UN, EU, and WTO have fostered peace, prosperity, and human rights. They provide forums to address shared challenges like climate change and pandemics. Yet these institutions face criticism and nationalist backlash.

Renewing global cooperation requires:

• Reforming institutions to be more effective and inclusive
• Addressing valid concerns about sovereignty and accountability
• Strengthening enforcement of international norms
• Cultivating shared democratic values across cultures
• Building people-to-people ties across borders

In an interconnected world, democracies are stronger together than alone.

Last updated: August 11, 2024