The only systematic exposition of the principles of a liberal arrangement of society and the state, the foundations of liberal economic and foreign policy. It demonstrates the close connection between the international sphere, private property, civil rights, the free market, and economic prosperity. The author managed to dispel many doubts and misunderstandings that arise when discussing social and political issues, as well as the liberal doctrine itself. Intended for economists, historians, sociologists, and political scientists, as well as for anyone interested in political philosophy.
Contents:
• Author’s preface to the English edition
• INTRODUCTION
• 1. Liberalism
• 2. Material well-being
• 3. Rationalism
• 4. The aim of liberalism
• 5. Liberalism and capitalism
• 6. Psychological roots of anti-liberalism
• I. FOUNDATIONS OF LIBERAL POLICY
• 1. Property
• 2. Freedom
• 3. Peace
• 4. Equality
• 5. Inequality in the distribution of wealth and income
• 6. Private property and ethics
• 7. The state and government
• 8. Democracy
• 9. Criticism of the doctrine of force
• 10. Arguments of fascism
• 11. Limits of government activity
• 12. Freedom of religion
• 13. The state and anti-social behavior
• II. LIBERAL ECONOMIC POLICY
• 1. Organization of the economy
• 2. Private property and its critics
• 3. Private property and government
• 4. The impossibility of socialism
• 5. Interventionism
• 6. Capitalism: the only possible system of social organization
• 7. Cartels, monopolies, and liberalism
• 8. Bureaucratization
• Notes on Chapter 2
• III. LIBERAL FOREIGN POLICY
• 1. The boundaries of the state
• 2. The right to self-determination
• 3. Political foundations of peace
• 4. Nationalism
• 5. Imperialism
• 6. Colonial policy
• 7. Free trade
• 8. Freedom of movement
• 9. The United States of Europe
• 10. The League of Nations
• 11. Russia
• IV. LIBERALISM AND POLITICAL PARTIES
• 1. “Doctrinarianism” of liberals
• 2. Political parties
• 3. The crisis of parliamentarianism and the idea of a parliament representing special groups
• 4. Liberalism and parties of special interests
• 5. Party propaganda and party organization
• 6. Liberalism as a “party of capital”
• V. THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM