That sound you hear is not the world ending – it’s liberalism being monstered

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-06T15:45:45.475Z • Permanent link

Renowned philosopher and social commentator, Jordan Peterson, has recently sparked controversy with his assertion that the decline of liberal values is a major concern for modern societies. Peterson, known for his critiques of progressive ideology, argues that the erosion of trust in institutions, the rise of populism, and the increasing polarization of society are all symptoms of a deeper malaise. His comments have resonated with many, but also sparked fierce debate among intellectuals and policymakers. At the center of the storm is the notion that the very foundations of liberalism are being challenged, and that this could have far-reaching consequences for the future of democratic societies.

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 60% of Americans believe that the country is moving in the wrong direction, with many attributing this sentiment to the increasing polarization of politics. This sentiment is echoed in other countries, where the rise of populist movements and nationalist sentiment is on the rise. For example, in the UK, the Brexit referendum in 2016 was seen as a watershed moment, marking a significant shift in the country's relationship with the European Union. Similarly, in Australia, the recent election of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister was seen as a victory for the Liberal Party, but also sparked concerns about the future of the country's social safety net and climate change policies.

Data from the World Values Survey, a comprehensive study of attitudes and values across the globe, reveals a worrying trend. Since the early 2000s, there has been a significant decline in the percentage of people who believe in the concept of progress, with many now expressing skepticism about the idea that societies can be improved through concerted effort and policy intervention. This decline is particularly pronounced in countries with high levels of income inequality, where the perception of social and economic stagnation is most acute. As one researcher noted, "This shift in values is having a profound impact on our understanding of what it means to be a progressive society, and what we can do to address the challenges we face.

The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with significant consequences for companies, research communities, and markets. For example, the financial sector is increasingly being forced to confront the reality of a post-progressive world, where the notion of economic growth and social mobility is no longer seen as a guarantee. As a result, companies are being forced to rethink their investment strategies and prioritize more sustainable and equitable models of growth. Similarly, research communities are being challenged to re-examine their assumptions about the role of government in addressing social and economic problems. As one economist noted, "The decline of liberalism is forcing us to think more creatively about how to address the challenges we face, and to prioritize more inclusive and equitable solutions.

In the world of finance, the rise of populism and the decline of liberalism are having a significant impact on market sentiment. As investors become increasingly skeptical about the ability of governments to deliver on their promises, they are becoming more risk-averse and seeking out safer, more stable investments. This is having a profound impact on asset prices, with many markets experiencing significant volatility. As one analyst noted, "The decline of liberalism is creating a perfect storm of uncertainty, and investors are responding by becoming more cautious and risk-averse.

The current crisis of liberalism is part of a broader pattern of increasing polarization and disillusionment with institutions. This is evident in the rise of anti-establishment movements around the world, from the Occupy Wall Street movement in the US to the Yellow Vest protests in France. Similarly, the increasing popularity of authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is a symptom of a deeper malaise, where many people are seeking out strong leaders who can deliver on their promises. As one historian noted, "This is not a new phenomenon, but rather a continuation of a long tradition of populism and anti-establishment sentiment that dates back to the 19th century.