India, liberalism and its crisis of legitimacy 

Following the 1991 elections, India embraced liberalism, then seen as the pinnacle of human political development. However, in recent years, liberalism has faced criticism from both the left and the right, both domestically and internationally. The global trend reflects a retreat from liberal democracy. The number of liberal democracies has shrunk from its post-Cold War peak to just 34 countries (as of 2022).

Reasons for Liberalism is Losing Favor

The core liberal idea was that democracy, nurtured by economic freedom and the rule of law, would flourish globally. However, this notion is losing ground. Public dissatisfaction with liberal democracy and values is on the rise, with a growing preference for alternative models. A 2022 Pew survey found 85% of respondents in India favouring authoritarianism or military rule, alongside a decline in support for representative democracy. Similar trends, albeit less pronounced, are observed in the West. This has led some, like Russia's Vladimir Putin, to declare "Liberalism is dead."

In India, liberalism is facing a crisis of legitimacy, with attacks from both the left and the right.

Critique from the Left

For those on the left, liberalism (and neoliberalism in particular) represents a dangerous elitist doctrine, prioritising the interests of a handful of privileged individuals over the needs of the collective. They argue that liberalism promotes an individualism that has resulted in an ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, the primacy of corporate interests, and the further marginalisation of the disadvantaged. The left sees an untenable contradiction between a commitment to egalitarian democracy on one hand and individualistic market capitalism on the other.

Critique from the Right

The right sees different dangers in liberalism, particularly its emphasis on individual freedom. Rabindranath Tagore's voice was an authentically Indian liberal voice of freedom, insisting that every individual be free to pursue their destiny: “Give me the strength never to…bend my knees before insolent might,” he prayed in Gitanjali. However, in today’s India, insolent might command the stage. The right garbs itself in social values that emphasize the needs of the individual over the ideals of community, identity, and tradition. They dismiss liberalism in India as a Western colonial import that has no connection with traditional values and ways of living. To both right and left, liberalism today is synonymous with elitism, privilege, and an outdated westernized worldview.

Need for a Reformed and Expanded Indian Liberalism

But if there was ever a time for us to articulate a reformed and expanded idea of Indian liberalism, it is now. The current legitimisation of illiberal alternatives, the erosion of trust in egalitarian democracy, the surrender of individual liberties to the hands of a ruling dispensation that has consistently exceeded its constitutional powers, the rampant undermining of institutions that were meant to check executive overreach, and the mainstreaming of bigoted and chauvinistic narratives that seek to 'otherize' entire communities, all point to an urgent need to offer a reimagined idea of liberalism to counter the systemic rot that plagues our democratic system.

Fourth, and finally, it is imperative that liberals develop a basic consensus among themselves. Given the divergent views on liberalism and the laundry list of criticisms essayed by its detractors, a minimum common understanding is key. The current "circular firing squad," to borrow Barack Obama’s analogy, spends too much time contesting each other’s political commitments rather than focusing on their vast areas of agreement. In the face of graver threats to our democratic systems, that energy would be more constructively spent in working together.

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, liberty, equality, and the rule of law. It emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries as a response to the absolutist monarchies and authoritarian regimes of the time. Liberalism advocates for limited government intervention in the economy, preferring free markets and private property rights. It also supports civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and the protection of individual autonomy and privacy.

Key principles of liberalism include

• Liberals believe in the inherent dignity and rights of each individual, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are seen as natural and inalienable.
• Liberalism emphasizes the importance of a legal framework that applies equally to all citizens, including government officials. The rule of law ensures that decisions are made based on established legal principles and procedures, rather than arbitrary or discriminatory actions.
• Liberals advocate for a government that is limited in its powers and respects individual freedoms. While government intervention may be necessary to protect rights and provide essential services, liberals generally prefer minimal interference in private affairs.
• Liberalism promotes equality of opportunity and opposes discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. Liberals aim to create a society where everyone has the chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts, rather than their background or identity.
• Liberals value diversity and tolerance, believing that individuals should be free to pursue their own beliefs and lifestyles as long as they do not harm others. Pluralism, both in politics and society, is seen as enriching and conducive to peaceful coexistence.
• While there are different interpretations of social justice within liberalism, many liberals advocate for policies that address inequalities and provide opportunities for disadvantaged groups to improve their circumstances. This may include measures such as education reform, social welfare programs, and progressive taxation.