Authoritarian Liberalism and the Transformation of Modern Europe

• Department of Law

The EUI Constitutionalism and Politics Working Group hosts a book discussion on Professor Michael A. Wilkinson's latest work,'Authoritarian Liberalism and the Transformation of Modern Europe.' Professor Michael A. Wilkinson is an Associate Professor at LSE, and he is a graduate of UCL, the College of Europe, Bruges and the European University Institute.

Abstract

Authoritarian Liberalism recounts the transformation of Europe from the interwar era until the Euro Crisis. The central claim is twofold: post-war Europe is reconstituted in a manner combining political authoritarianism and economic liberalism, producing an order which is now in a critical condition. The book begins in the interwar era, when liberalism turns to authoritarianism to suppress democracy, with disastrous consequences. After the Second World War, integration is substituted for internationalism, technocracy for democracy, and economic liberty for political freedom and class struggle. It is deepened by the neo-liberalism of the Maastricht era. Struggles over sovereignty, democracy, and political freedom resurface, but are then more actively repressed through the authoritarian liberalism of the euro crisis phase. Anti-systemic politics return but remain uneasily within the EU, suggesting that the post-war order of authoritarian liberalism is reaching its limits.

This event will take the form of a book discussion, but attendees are welcome to send questions in advance to constpol@eui.eu. This event is open to all. Participants can register by clicking above. The Zoom link will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.