American liberalism has long been a beacon of individual freedom, personal autonomy, and minimal government interference. These principles have shaped the nation’s identity, from its founding to its global influence. Yet, the very strengths of American liberalism are now contributing to its undoing. The unchecked pursuit of individualism has eroded social cohesion, weakened institutional safeguards, and exacerbated political polarisation. If this trajectory continues, it risks leading the United States down a dangerous path where liberalism morphs into authoritarianism—an ironic yet plausible outcome under the current political circumstances.
The liberal promise: from individualism to fragmentation
At its core, American liberalism prioritises negative liberty: freedom from interference, especially by the state. This focus on individual rights has driven remarkable achievements in civil liberties, innovation, and personal freedoms. However, it has also created a society where the collective good often takes a backseat to personal ambition and private interests.
The consequences are clear. Social cohesion has fractured, and a hyper-focus on individual rights has deepened divisions. In contemporary America, political and cultural identities are so polarised that dialogue has become nearly impossible. Each side weaponises liberal ideals to justify its agenda, creating a fragmented society where trust in government, institutions, and even fellow citizens is at an all-time low.
Institutional safeguards under threat
American democracy’s strength lies in its institutions: the judiciary, the Constitution, and the principle of checks and balances. These safeguards are designed to protect against tyranny and ensure the rule of law. Yet, the liberal obsession with autonomy has weakened these very pillars.
In recent years, institutional norms have been eroded by partisan manoeuvring. Courts have been politicised, and long-standing democratic processes have been undermined. This trend is not confined to one party; both sides have exploited the system for short-term gains, ignoring the long-term damage to institutional credibility.
Even more alarming is the rise of populist leaders who claim to defend liberal values while bypassing these safeguards. In their hands, liberalism—focused on individual autonomy and freedom—becomes a tool for consolidating power. Authoritarian tendencies emerge as leaders justify extraordinary measures to “protect” individual freedoms, even at the expense of democratic norms.
Republicanism as a remedy
The tension between liberalism and republicanism is not new. While liberalism emphasises individual freedom, republicanism prioritises the common good, civic virtue, and active citizenship. In many Western democracies, republican principles have been integrated to balance the excesses of liberalism. Countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and the Nordic states have successfully emphasised collective responsibility and social cohesion, maintaining robust democracies while safeguarding individual rights.
The Netherlands, for example, combines strong individual freedoms with a deeply rooted sense of social responsibility. Its focus on consensus-driven policies ensures that the collective good remains central to decision-making. Similarly, Australia and Canada uphold individual liberties while maintaining robust social safety nets and public services that foster equality and unity.
America, however, has historically leaned more heavily on liberalism, often at the expense of republican ideals. The nation’s founding myth—rooted in the liberal ideas of John Locke and the pursuit of personal liberty—has overshadowed the republican ideals of shared responsibility and the avoidance of corruption. The result is a society where the virtuous citizen is replaced by the economic individual, and the common good is subsumed by private interest.
A path forward
The United States must recalibrate its liberalism to address the challenges of polarisation, institutional fragility, and creeping authoritarianism. This does not mean abandoning liberalism altogether but rather integrating republican principles to restore balance. Here are some steps to consider:
- Strengthen institutions: Reinforce the independence and integrity of democratic institutions. This includes depoliticising the judiciary, safeguarding election processes, and rebuilding trust in public governance.
- Promote civic education: Encourage a culture of civic responsibility and participation. Citizens must understand that democracy requires compromise, dialogue, and a commitment to the common good.
- Bridge polarisation: Invest in initiatives that bring diverse groups together to find common ground. Building shared narratives can counteract the fragmentation caused by excessive individualism.
- Reimagine liberalism: Shift from a hyper-individualistic model to one that acknowledges the need for collective action. Issues like healthcare, climate change, and education demand solutions that prioritise societal well-being over narrow self-interest.
Conclusion
American liberalism has reached a crossroads. Its unbridled focus on individualism has fractured the social fabric, weakened institutions, and created fertile ground for authoritarian tendencies. To move forward, the United States must embrace a more balanced approach, one that integrates the civic virtues of republicanism with the freedoms of liberalism.
History teaches us that unchecked liberalism, without the counterbalance of collective responsibility, can lead to instability and decay. The examples of countries like the Netherlands, Australia, and Canada show that a more republican approach can strengthen democracy and foster unity. The question now is whether America can rise to the challenge of renewal or whether it will continue down a path that risks undermining the very freedoms it seeks to protect. The stakes are high, but the opportunity for a course correction is still within reach.
Paul Budde