The Future of Russian Liberalism - Paul Robinson, Alexander Mercouris & ...

The Future of Russian Liberalism - Paul Robinson, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen

The Duran

 

I had a conversation with Professor Paul Robinson and Alexander Mercouris about Russian liberalism. Liberalism elevates the individual above the group, yet there is no clear definition of liberal policies. Big government can encroach on individual rights, yet it can also defend the individual's rights from the concentration of economic power and an oligarchy. While Russians are in favour of the freedom of the individual, liberals are commonly perceived negatively due to their anti-government stance, their hostility towards Russian traditions, and a tendency to be used by foreign powers against their own country. Liberalism is commonly recognised as a revolutionary ideology as it aims to liberate the individual from something. In Russia, liberalism often manifests itself more radically by seeking to remake Russia in the West’s image. Can liberalism be an organic and moderate part of the Russian political system, or is it destined to be revolutionary by uprooting and discarding what came before? (Glenn Diesen).

Professor Paul Robinson’s book on Russian liberalism can be found here: https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501772177/russian-liberalism/