Post-Liberalism

Liberalism has long been the dominant ideology of the modern west. In recent years, however, post-liberalism has emerged as a central movement within the ‘New Right’ and a formidable intellectual challenge to the mainstream. Notably, even American Vice-President J. D. Vance has described himself as of the ‘post-liberal right’.

Matt Sleat presents the first comprehensive and critical analysis of the post-liberal movement. He explores post-liberalism’s theological roots in integralism and Radical Orthodoxy, as well as its connection to comparable movements such as National Conservatism. Drawing on the work of key theorists such as Patrick Deneen and Adrian Vermeule, Sleat argues that post-liberalism is based on a politically motivated and deeply implausible understanding of liberalism. He also considers how liberalism might respond to the challenge posed by post-liberalism, and what its rise can tell us about the future of conservative politics. Post-Liberalism is a vital work for students and scholars of political science and philosophy, as well as anyone concerned by the state of politics.

Author Biography

Matt Sleat is Reader in Political Theory at the University of Sheffield.