1. Modern Challenges to Liberalism Classical liberalism vs. Modern liberalism Negative vs. Positive freedoms Environmentalism Neo-Conservatism

2. The overarching theme of this chapter is that liberalism is not a static, unchangeable ideology. Rather, it is an ideology that evolves—it is open to revision, reprioritization, and reassessment. Historically this has been the case, and liberalism will likely continue to evolve, partly in response to challenges posed by alternative currents of thought.

3. Classical vs. Modern Liberalism (274) Classical (freedom) No gov’t interference (hands off) Govt to protect life, liberty & property Emphasizes economic freedom & role of entrepreneur Modern Significant gov’t intervention All individuals valued equally Emphasizes programs to help the disadvantaged Promotes ideas to share the benefits of development Industrial Revolution Great Depression Wealth Gap of nations creating economic instability Rise of alternative ideologies such as communism & fascism

4. Negative vs. Positive Freedoms Negative Freedoms Individuals free to make choices Equality of opportunity ‘Freedom from’ government interference Positive Freedoms ‘Freedom to’ make choices – Progressives Government provides supports to help ensure equality of outcome, not just opportunity (Welfare)

5. Liberalism Evolves (280) Environmentalism – protection of the environment has become ever more popular and powerful. In recent decades, people have become increasingly aware and concerned about the impact that human activity has on the environment. There is mounting evidence that pollutants are affecting the global climate.

6. Environmentalism runs counter to liberalism: It seeks to place restrictions on the way people use or consume their own property. It promotes government interference in the economy to protect the environment from abuse. It is in many ways a collectivist ideology, since it places limits on personal freedoms in order to achieve a common goal. Supporting the environment is a great goal however, environmentalism comes with economic and social costs that liberal societies have been reluctant to pay.

7. Liberalism still evolving...political platforms Canada & the Carbon Tax: Emission reduction targets Carbon Tax (with income tax reductions)

8. More Evolution...maybe Neo-Conservatism Reaction to modern liberalism and how it fails to address contemporary political, social and economic realities. Major influence is on foreign policy; it favours a proactive approach. Was popular during the Cold War, and neoconservative politicians fully supported American interference in foreign nations in order to support anti-communist groups or regimes.

9. More Evolution...maybe Neo-conservatism regained popularity after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The United States gov’t has toppled two regimes (Afghanistan & Iraq) that is deemed hostile or dangerous to the United States. Economically, many neoconservatives are comfortable with the modern welfare state, although they are inclined to oppose government interference in the economy.

10. Neoconservatives Some Neoconservative economists, such as Milton Friedman, advocate a return to classical liberal economics: – Minimum taxation – Few (if any) social programs – Complete deregulation of industries & services Because neoconservatives favour proactive foreign policy, they tend to favour increased military spending.