Liberal Democracy in Peril by Todd A. Olson and Gjalt R. Smit
What's It About?
A treatise on the current state of America's Liberal Democracy and what we need to do to correct our course.The Liberal Democracy we adhere to in this country has been the defining aspect of our nation and a beacon and example for others to follow since its inception. Because we uphold this system, we present ourselves as a paragon of freedom, transparency and choice, and strive to impress our ideals on foreign nations around the world. In theory this is a noble goal, however there’s just one problem.
As American politics have evolved, a seed of rot has been planted within the system, and over the last several decades has festered to the point where the liberal democracy we pride ourselves on is now in peril. Bipartisanship, polarization, lobbies, media, and similar phenomena have caused great rifts in our nation. This not only puts the future of the country at risk, but delegitimizes us on the world stage. How is the United States supposed to spread democracy when we can’t even maintain our ideals in our own country? In their comprehensive and easily digestible new book Liberal Democracy in Peril, authors Todd Olson and Gjalt Smit identify these issues, break them down and offer potential solutions in an effort to raise awareness and help change our course.
This book features a range of voices and views on the troubled state of liberal democracy in the US and in Europe today, from those of the two authors to over two dozen interviewees in the US and Europe. Each voice brings a unique perspective, ranging from within the country to those on the outside looking in. However, it is clear with each that they seek to illuminate where we stand today, and what steps might strengthen, and perhaps save, liberal democracy as we move forward.
A COMPELLING, COMPREHENSIVE CALL TO ACTION
The book tackles multiple subjects. My favorites include the central role of education in revitalizing democracy and the look the authors take at the turbulence taking place within the industry, the roles of student affairs, the ideal institutional mission, and the role of creative tensions. One of my favorite passages is an included statement from the Director of External Affairs:
“…It is crucial that we do not lose hope. To despair that the trends of the present will necessarily be the trends of the future would be a mistake. Small groups of dedicated people — from the Founder of the United States, to the Polish trade unionists fighting Soviet Communism, to the activist against apartheid in South Africa — have managed to alter the course of history towards Liberal Democracy. Our aim should be to replicate that success.”
The dynamics currently driving liberal democracy into a free fall are discussed at length. From breaking down our understanding of the social processes at work, the book derives the actions needed to restore liberal democracy. Also explored are the role of mindsets, the impact of technology, the need for effective institutions and the importance of private initiatives.
Equally impressive is the authors’ prose. Books such as this often remain inaccessible to the general public due to the complex nature of the subject matter, and the resulting manner in which they’re written about. In this book however, the authors’ have crafted a clear, concise and logically structured treatise that breaks down difficult topics in ways that any reader can understand. Each chapter and argument is laid out neatly and simply without any compromise when it comes to depth.
Liberal Democracy in Peril is neither superficial nor inaccessibly dense, and instead pulls the benefits from each to create a compelling, comprehensive and digestible call to action. Readers from all backgrounds will find themselves considering the questions posed and the future of our nation long after the last page.
About the authors:
Todd A. Olson is an American educator who serves as President of Mount Mercy University in Iowa. He grew up in Minnesota, earned a PhD in higher education, and served in a variety of administrative roles at three universities (the University of Denver, Georgetown University, and Mount Mercy) for more than 36 years. He was an active national leader in the student affairs field for much of the past decade. He has taught numerous courses on leadership, higher education, and health promotion, and has published articles and a book chapter on leadership, Catholic education, and student well-being.
Gjalt R. Smit was born in The Netherlands. After taking a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering, he studied under a NASA-Fellowship in the US, followed by research at the European Space Research Institute near Rome, resulting in a PhD in astronomy. He then decided for an industrial career (industrial automation, telecom and semiconductors). He became the founding-CEO of ASML, the global leader in semiconductor production equipment. He fulfilled various management and board positions while living in Germany, France and presently, Switzerland.
