What is Liberal Socialism? - Matthew McManus

Come join Triangle Common Good this September in reading Matthew McManus' What is Liberal Socialism? With the recent wins of democratic socialist candidates, we will discuss what a liberal socialism looks like and if it can address populist concerns.

In What is Liberal Socialism?, McManus makes a distinction between the authoritarian versions of socialism seen in the 20th century and a tradition of liberal socialism that can be seen in liberals going back to John Stuart Mill, arguing this retrieved version of liberalism can meet the needs of our current moment.

Matthew McManus is a professor of political science whose work has focused on the rise of "postmodern conservatism" as a backlash to neoliberal policies. We have read some of his past work in our discussion materials for our sessions on Patrick Deneen and Michael Oakeshott.

Liberalism and socialism have long been understood as mortal enemies, but both developed out of the Enlightenment and are committed to the importance of reason, freedom, and flourishing for all. In What is Liberal Socialism? Matt McManus, Florian Maiwald and Paul Crider make the case for retrieving a long-forgotten tradition of liberal socialist thought. Looking at seminal thinkers from John Stuart Mill to Chantal Mouffe and John Rawls, the book lays out the strengths and weaknesses of liberal socialism in the context of the tumultuous 21st century, arguing that it may be an overlooked source of hope, one deserving of reconsideration in an era of right wing populism.

Does Liberalism Mean Supporting Capitalism?
https://www.liberalcurrents.com/does-liberalism-mean-supporting-capitalism/

Author of We Have Never Been Woke on liberal socialism:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-202717521

McManus on Nietzsche and present right-wing politics:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gE0kpPZZR0suGxLdoVBR3