Radicalism, Conservativism and Liberalism: Contemporary Lessons for Politics and for Political Activists
| Autor | Alon Harel |
| Cargo | Professor of Law at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Jerusalén, Israel). D. Phil. (Philosophy of Law), LL.M., Hebrew University, LL.B., Hebrew University |
| Páginas | 5-14 |
ALON HAREL*
Radicalism, Conservativism
and Liberalism: Contemporary Lessons
for Politics and for Political Activists**
SUMMARY
Introduction. 1. Radicalism, Conservativism and Liberalism. 2. The Egalitar-
ian Proposal and the Liberal Dilemma. Conclusion. References.
INTRODUCTION
In The Legal Foundations of Inequality, Gargarella provides a sophisticated
account of the constitutional history of the Americas. The Legal Foundations
of Inequality is not merely a historical survey; it provides an analytic frame
within which the legal development in the continent of America can be un-
derstood and become intelligible. It also develops a normative critique of the
major legal and political movements and provides an alternative egalitarian
route for the future.
I was greatly enriched by reading it. Needless to say I cannot contribute
to the historical account provided by Gargarella. This essay aims therefore at
examining the contemporary relevance of Gargarella historical insights. Part
i examines the three primary movements identified by Gargarella (radicalism,
conservativism and liberalism). I try to identify and sharpen some of the
sentiments underlying these ideologies and, finally, I show that contemporary
political and legal developments can be enriched by understanding the history.
Radicalism of the 19th century can be equated with contemporary populism;
the ancesstor of 19th century conservativism is nationalism and liberalism
has retained its original name. I establish that these three ideologies are as
influential as they have been in the 19th century. I also argue that economic
interests are as important now in shaping political realities as they have been
in the history described by Gargarella. Part ii provides a normative account;
more particularly, it aims at mitigating the tension identified by Gargarella
between individual and collective self-governance.
* Professor of Law at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Jerusalén, Israel). D. Phil.
(Philosophy of Law), LL.M., Hebrew University, LL.B., Hebrew University. Contacto: alon.
harel@mail.huji.ac.il orcid: 0000-0001-5122-9508.
** Recibido el 11 de septiembre de 2020, aprobado el 26 de octubre de 2020.
Para citar el artículo: Harel, A. Radicalism, Conservativism and Liberalism: Contemporary
Lessons for Politics and for Political Activists. En Revista Derecho del Estado, Universidad
Externado de Colombia. N.º 49, mayo-agosto de 2021, 5-14.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18601/01229893.n49.02
Revista Derecho del Estado n.º 49, mayo - agosto de 2021, pp. 5-14
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