History of the Present

History of the Present

The future of liberalism

What should come after liberalism? A better liberalism.

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Timothy Garton Ash and Prospect Magazine
Feb 15, 2026
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History of the Present (19 days ending Sunday 15 February 2026)

In these anti-liberal times, full of vacuous talk of ‘post-liberalism’, I repost my Prospect essay, first published in 2021, with a few small updates and cuts. I believe the argument is more relevant – and urgent – than ever. Comments welcome. TGA

Writers have interpreted the failings of lib…

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