Liberalism at Large: The World According to the Economist

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Description

Since 1843, theEconomisthas been the single most devoted and influential champion of liberalism anywhere in the world. But what exactly is liberalism, and how has the liberal message evolvedThe World According to the Economistpresents a history of liberalism on the move, confronting the challenges that classical doctrine left unresolved: the rise of democracy, the expansion of empire, the ascendancy of finance. Today, neither economic crisis at home, nor permanent warfare abroad, has dimmed theEconomists belief in unfettered markets, limited government and a free hand for the West. Confidante to the powerful, emissary for the financial sector, portal onto international affairs, the bestselling news weekly shapes the world its readersand the rest of usinhabit. This is the first critical biography of one of the architects of a liberal world order now under increasing strain.

Reviews

An outstanding guide to our history * Economist *
Sharp, engaging and deeply researched, Liberalism at Large reveals the profound contradictions at the heart of one of the most influential strands of liberalism - its supposed aversion to state power and consistent embrace of imperial might -- Jennifer Pitts, Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago
Liberalism at Large has to be the most fascinating, and the best-written, engagement with the idea-that-nobody-ever-defines. Our understanding of liberalism, and of its historical and ideological power, is permanently changed, and immeasurably for the better -- Geoff Mann, author of In the Long Run We Are All Dead
Much more than a history of a single journal, Liberalism at Large gives us a compelling counter-history of key global players, events and ideologies from imperialism and free trade to liberalism and neoliberalism. Absorbing and informative -- Priyamvada Gopal, author of Insurgent Empire
What a brilliant idea and what a brilliant book. Zevin offers a critical and nuanced account of the ever-changing liberalism promoted by the Economist -- Donald Sassoon, author of The Anxious Triumph
Meticulous and beautifully written, Liberalism at Large should be read by anyone interested in "actually existing liberalism", in other words liberalism as it was conceived by the people who defined and promoted it, and not an idealized version based on some pre-determined canon of "great thinkers". Fascinating and often disturbing * Helena Rosenblatt, author of The Lost History of Liberalism *
The Economist has vigorously claimed to be advancing the liberal cause since its founding. Zevin takes it at its word, telling the story not only of the magazine itself but also of its impact on world affairs. Having evidently mastered the magazine's archives, he commands a deep knowledge of its inner workings. The Economist emerges as a force that-thanks to the military, cultural and economic power of Britain and, later, America-can truly be said to have made the modern world, if not in the way that many liberals would suppose. -- Pankaj Mishra * New Yorker *
A singular work of history that shows how the Economist...has shaped the liberal tradition and influenced world affairs since the title was founded in 1843. -- Gavin Jacobson * New Statesman - Books of the Year *
He is to be thanked for a critique of the paper -- Anthony Gottlieb * The Economist *
Masterful...[Liberalism at Large] is intellectually rich without being conceptually baggy -- Gavin Jacobson * New Statesman *
This is a great book, of considerable scholarship. I strongly recommend it, not least for its historical focus and the engrossing chapters on the 19th century. -- William Keegan * Literary Review *
Liberalism at Large is a deeply researched and fascinating insight into what the history of the modern world looks like when seen from one particular vantage point. And it is a salutary reminder of how easy it is for people who are convinced they are right to sometimes get it wrong. -- David Runciman * Financial Times *
Zevin regards the Economist as one imagines an antelope might regard a crocodile-impressed by its longevity and power, suspicious of its habitat, and wary of its bite. His critique, pronounced atop a formidable pile of research, is forceful and serious: the Economist, as the voice of finance capital, is too self-satisfied to see its own role in the world's troubles. -- Patrick Iber * New Republic *
A compelling intellectual history * Boston Review *
A deeply researched and fascinating insight into what the history of the modern world looks like when seen from one particular vantage point. -- David Runciman * Financial Times *
Zevin has a sharp eye...[Liberalism at Large] is a stirring read -- Stefan Collini * London Review of Books *
Outstanding...an excellent prism through which to study and evaluate the record of 'actually existing liberalism'. * Australian Book Review *
Masterful * Red Pepper *
Fascinating -- Adam Tooze * Prospect *
Liberalism at Large provides a rigorous study of the Economist's history and the contingencies that shaped liberalism over the long term. * LSE Review of Books *
A fascinating new perspective on the history of liberalism ... [Zevin] provides a significant new point of view, which changes the way we understand this category so fundamental to modern history. * Soziopolis *

Author Bio

Alexander Zevinis an Assistant Professor at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York, and an editor atNew Left Review.