Isaiah Berlin in the Twenty-First Century by Crowder, George;

Short description:

In this path-breaking study, George Crowder argues that Isaiah Berlin’s ideas have application beyond their original context to the problems of our own time. Focusing on three central themes – liberty, identity, and value pluralism – this book is essential reading for researchers and advanced students in these fields.

Long description:

Isaiah Berlin is well known as a defender of liberal democracy in the Cold War. In this path-breaking study, George Crowder argues that Berlin’s ideas have application beyond their original context to the problems of our own time.

Focusing on three central themes – liberty, identity, and value pluralism – Crowder presents a fresh interpretation of Berlin, exposing the misunderstandings of critics, especially those who ignore Berlin’s pluralist foundation. Although genuine problems remain, these can be alleviated by revising and extending Berlin’s view to construct an updated liberal pluralism. Together with Berlin’s own arguments, liberal pluralism is then brought to bear on a range of current concerns, including neoliberalism, identity politics, populism, international relations, religion, feminism, climate change, and global pandemics. The resulting outlook is complex, realistic, humane, and positive.

Isaiah Berlin in the Twenty-First Century represents a new departure in the study of Berlin, value pluralism, and liberal thought more generally. It is essential reading for researchers and advanced students in these fields, but its wide range will appeal to anyone interested in the values and politics of our troubled times.

In Isaiah Berlin the Twenty-First Century George Crowder explores the continuing relevance of Isaiah Berlin’s views.  His ability to take what is insightful in Berlin’s writings and extend their implications for contemporary debates such as those concerning gender, international relations, and populism exhibits not only Crowder’s own analytical strengths, but the abiding significance of one of the twentieth century’s most profound intellectuals.

Jason Ferrell, Department of Political Science, Concordia University

George Crowder is widely recognized as a leading authority on Isaiah Berlin’s thought, and one of the most rigorous and influential proponents of pluralist liberalism (or liberal pluralism) writing today. Here Crowder brings his unrivalled expertise as an interpreter of Berlin’s thought, along with a keen analytical mind, clear style, and humane sensibility to bear on some of the crucial questions facing us today. All of those interested in the interpretation and application of Berlin’s thought, and in the theoretical possibilities of a pluralist framework, will be interested in what Crowder has to say here; those seeking clarity (without any sacrifice of complexity) in making sense of the tumultuous world in which we live will find here both a lucid introduction to Berlin’s pluralism, and an illuminating perspective on the present.

Joshua L. Cherniss, Associate Professor in the Department of Government, Georgetown University

Table of Contents:

Preface.  Introduction: Beyond the Cold War.  1. Berlin’s Framework  2. Liberal Pluralism  3. Neoliberalism  4. Identity  5. Populism  6. International Relations  7. Religion  8. Feminism  9. Two Crises: Climate and COVID.  Conclusion