ContrarianBrit

'Liberalism is increasingly popular among non-elites. Whilst such voters think ideologically, their conceptual understanding is limited and they embrace populist methods, failing to understand the limits of liberal-democratic politics.

Whilst low liberalism reflects traditional liberal concerns and buttresses liberal democracy, low liberals embrace certain authoritarian and radical left positions, such as draconian measures against MPs and extreme anti-Israel stances.

Low liberalism shares the populist tendency to pathologize the views of opponents, dismissing conservatives as stupid and/or greedy. Relatedly, low liberalism can stray into dark territory, embracing the shadowy and conspirational.

Low liberals fail to understand the limits of liberal-democratic politics. They promote the politicization of once apolitical spheres and regard the state as a partisan organ, contrasting with traditional liberalism’s vision of a neutral state.

More broadly, online versions of liberalism and conservatism have developed in reaction to one another, entailing an arms race which disfigures liberal democracy. We should worry about the end point.'