What Was Liberalism?

In What Was Liberalism?, James Traub explores the rich history of liberalism, tracing its origins from the aftermath of the American and French revolutions through the influential ideas of thinkers like John Stuart Mill and Isaiah Berlin. He examines the transformation of liberalism from a skeptical stance on majority rule to a broad belief system that includes individual rights, free markets, and state intervention for public goods. As contemporary leaders openly challenge these values, Traub reflects on the shifting perception of liberalism and its current struggles, seeking insights on how it might strengthen its foundations for the future.