Episode description

Liberal democracy has long been credited with the West’s economic development, social tolerance, personal freedoms, and the rule of law.

And yet, in recent years, it's been blamed for everything from growing inequality, environmental degradation, political polarization, and cultural fragmentation. 

Its critics argue that liberalism’s failure to meet the moment has fueled trust societies and given rise to populist movements in the US, England, France, Germany, and even Canada. Is it time for a new, animating ideology?

On this special edition of the Munk Debates podcast, we seek to answer this question featuring the best moments from the Munk Debate on the Crisis of Liberalism, which took place in the fall of 2023 in front of a sold out crowd of 3,000 people at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall.

The debate resolution was: Be it resolved, liberalism gets the big questions right

Arguing for the motion was the controversial former British M.P. and cabinet minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg. He was joined by the American writer and columnist who has shaped a generation’s thinking on the important issues of our time: George F. Will.

Opposing the motion was U.K. journalist, self-avowed communist and popular leftist thinker, Ash Sarkar. Her debating partner was the disruptive and thought-provoking American social conservative, Sohrab Ahmari, author of the bestseller Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty.

The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths

To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership

Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.

This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/

Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz

Editor: Kieran Lynch