How to Reverse the Retreat from Liberalism?

Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second time in Washington, D.C., on January 20 (local time). Nearly all analysts’ predictions regarding the results of the U.S. presidential election two months ago were incorrect. Even those who anticipated a victory for Trump expected the margin to be extremely narrow.

But, in contrast to the two previous elections, Trump’s share of the vote increased across almost the entire country, winning all the swing states and making traditionally Republican states even more Republican, shifting some competitive states to a more Republican stance, and transforming traditionally Democratic states into more competitive “purple” states. He garnered support from nearly all social groups, including people of different races and demographics.

Despite his opponents’ claims of numerous moral failings, many educated Americans still voted for Trump. Fundamentally, they did so with a clear understanding of who he is and what he represents.

At this critical time in history, I believe that not only American liberals but also their allies around the world should avoid despair and panic. Instead, they need to rise from their setbacks, reflect on their experiences and, most importantly, conduct a thorough analysis of their defeats and mistakes. They must confront many difficult and uncomfortable questions: Why is global support for liberal ideas not only weakening but rapidly declining? What went wrong in their strategy, and what are the issues with their current short- and long-term approaches?

My recommendations can be summarized as follows: Liberals must stop thinking of themselves as having infallible and unshakable ideals. They must quickly recognize that they will have to step down from the political pedestal they have occupied since World War II (1939-45), having proven the effectiveness of their economic models over the half-century that followed. Moreover, their economic and financial dominance decline in the medium term is inevitable, especially given the growing economic power of China and other countries in the Global South. (The Global South refers to the nations of the world that are considered to have a relatively low level of economic and industrial development and are typically located to the south of more industrialized nations—Ed.)

Addressing the pressing issues faced by the average citizen is of the utmost importance. Key concerns include securing stable employment, ensuring affordable and secure housing, managing the prices of essential goods and services, overseeing immigration levels, and effectively integrating newcomers into society.

Lecturing others about moral superiority and instructing them on how to behave is counterproductive. Liberals should avoid delivering condescending lectures and arrogant mentorship. At the same time, they should not abandon the passionate advocacy of important issues, such as human rights. While these topics are essential for discussion, they should not be imposed on others. A primary principle for enhancing one’s credibility is to talk less and take action more.

A less ideological and more pragmatic approach should be adopted in all areas of life. For instance, it is essential to acknowledge a hierarchy of human rights. The most important rights include the right to live free from poverty and hunger, have a decent job, feel safe, hold a respectable place in society and have hope for a better future for one’s children and grandchildren.

Liberals should focus on self-improvement rather than wasting time and energy criticizing their opponents or those with whom they disagree. It’s easy to explain failures and shortcomings by finding someone to blame. However, this convenient approach does not lead to meaningful corrections of mistakes. It is far more productive to look honestly at whether liberal policies have truly benefited most citizens, especially those at the bottom of society. This reflection is essential for progressing toward a brighter future for all.

The author is a former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, distinguished professor of the Belt and Road School at Beijing Normal University and author of the book Central Asia’s Economic Rebirth in the Shadow of the New Great Game (Routledge, London, 2023).