Ian Bassin on How to Save American Democracy from Trump

In 'Why Liberalism Failed,' Patrick J. Deneen critiques both classical liberalism (often called libertarianism) and progressive/modern liberalism. He argues that liberalism has created contradictions such as fostering material inequality despite advocating for equal rights, discouraging civic commitments in favor of privatism, and giving rise to a comprehensive state system while pursuing individual autonomy. Deneen contends that liberalism's success is generating its own failure, leading to issues like income inequality, cultural decline, atomization, and the erosion of freedoms. The book examines the outcomes of the growth of the state, the construction of the free market, and the effects of technology on freedoms and culture.

In 'Twilight of the Elites: America After Meritocracy,' Christopher Hayes argues that the concept of meritocracy, intended to democratize access to elite positions, has instead exacerbated inequality and corruption. Hayes contends that as more diverse groups ascended to power, they embraced accelerating inequality, leading to a new elite class prone to failure and corruption. The book examines various scandals and institutional failures, such as Enron and the Catholic Church abuse scandal, and discusses the rise of leaderless movements like Occupy Wall Street. Hayes also introduces the concept of 'fractal inequality' and the 'cult of smartness' to explain the mechanisms behind elite corruption and public distrust.

In *The People vs. Democracy*, Yascha Mounk examines the rise of authoritarian populism and the breakdown of liberal democracy. He argues that two core components of liberal democracy—individual rights and the popular will—are increasingly at odds, leading to systems of 'rights without democracy' and 'democracy without rights. ' Mounk identifies key drivers of this crisis, including economic stagnation, fear of multiethnic democracy, and the impact of social media.