In a recent essay, commentator Waleed Aly argues that Western societies are experiencing a profound crisis of confidence, characterized by a widespread loss of belief in the concept of progress. Aly suggests that the current political and social volatility—often perceived as a rise of “monsters” across the ideological spectrum—is a symptom of a deeper disillusionment with the liberal order.
Aly posits that the conventional political framework, which has dominated Western democracies since the end of World War II, is increasingly viewed by the public as incapable of delivering on its promises of prosperity and stability. He describes this as a shift from viewing crises as temporary setbacks to seeing them as evidence of a “terminal decline.”
The essay identifies a series of “rolling shocks” over the past two decades that have contributed to this sentiment, including the 9/11 attacks, the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Aly notes that these events have compounded to create a near-constant sense of crisis, fostering suspicion toward established institutions, including government, media, and medical authorities.
Regarding the rise of populist movements, Aly cites analysis from Redbridge’s Simon Welsh, who suggests that support for parties like One Nation is often driven less by specific policy preferences and more by a sense of long-term neglect and socioeconomic disempowerment. According to Aly, these movements are increasingly focused on challenging the system itself rather than seeking traditional policy outcomes.
Aly identifies “liberalism” as the underlying philosophy currently under scrutiny. He defines this order as one built on individual freedom, institutional checks and balances, and a commitment to diversity and choice. He argues that the current political upheaval—from both the populist right and radical progressive movements—represents a “post-liberal” reaction to this established order.
While acknowledging that some critics believe liberalism is already defunct, Aly suggests that while the philosophy is in significant trouble, it is specifically the post-WWII iteration of the liberal world that is facing a fundamental challenge. He concludes that the current sense of societal instability stems from the collapse of the long-held assumption that each generation would inevitably be more comfortable and secure than the last.
Article and image source: theguardian.com
