Edward Luce on The Retreat of Western Liberalism (Live) | Conversations with Tyler

Russia's Potential

The discussion on Russia's potential for embracing liberalism reveals a complex landscape. Edward Luce suggests that despite Russia's reputation as a liberalism antagonist, there is hope for change, especially in urban areas. He notes that cities often lean towards internationalist options, as seen in Moscow's significant opposition to Vladimir Putin during the 2012 presidential campaign 1.

Alexei Navalny, the leader currently of opposition to Putin, is doing something that Corbyn managed to achieve last Thursday. He's getting young people out and being quite bold and protesting on quite some scale across Russia.

--- Edward Luce

This youth-driven movement could signal a shift towards a more hopeful future for Russian democracy.

   

India's Dynamics

India's political landscape under Narendra Modi presents a dual narrative of progress and regression. Edward Luce describes Modi as a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure, with his administration driving infrastructure development while simultaneously fostering Hindu nationalism 2. This duality raises questions about India's liberal trajectory, as Modi's policies both uplift and control the population.

If Jekyll Modi succeeds, it will be a positive liberal event, because more people will be lifted out of poverty, fewer people will be illiterate, and women, as you say, will be prime beneficiaries of this.

--- Edward Luce

While India's diversity is a stabilizing force, Modi's actions challenge its secular foundations, complicating the nation's path towards liberalism 3.