The Political Dysfunction of the United States

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 31 views

The Significance of Walter Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals" in Zakaria's Conclusion

In his book "In Defense of a Liberal Order," Fareed Zakaria begins the conclusion with a thought-provoking quote from Walter Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals." This quote sets the tone for Zakaria's final thoughts on the state of the world and the liberal order. But why does Zakaria choose to start his conclusion with Lippmann's words? In this article, we will explore the significance of Lippmann's quote and how it relates to Zakaria's argument.

The Context of Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals"

Walter Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals" is a book written in 1929, during a time of great social and economic change in the United States. Lippmann was a prominent journalist and commentator of his time, and his book is a reflection of his thoughts on the moral and philosophical implications of modern life. In the book, Lippmann argues that the rapid changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization have led to a decline in traditional moral values and a sense of community.

Zakaria's Use of Lippmann's Quote

So, why does Zakaria choose to begin his conclusion with Lippmann's quote? The answer lies in the fact that Zakaria is arguing that the liberal order is facing a similar crisis today. He believes that the rapid changes brought about by globalization, technological advancements, and demographic shifts have led to a decline in traditional values and a sense of community. Zakaria argues that this decline is not just a moral issue, but also a political one, as it has led to a rise in nationalism, populism, and authoritarianism.

The Political Dysfunction of the United States

Option A, "To illustrate the political dysfunction of the United States," is the correct answer. Zakaria begins his conclusion with Lippmann's quote to illustrate the political dysfunction of the United States. He argues that the country is facing a crisis of leadership, with politicians more focused on short-term gains and partisan politics than on addressing the long-term challenges facing the country. Zakaria believes that this crisis is a result of the decline of the liberal order and the rise of populist and nationalist movements.

The Decline of the US-led Liberal Order

Option C, "To illustrate the decline of the US-led liberal order," is also a correct answer. Zakaria argues that the liberal order, which has been the cornerstone of international relations since World War II, is facing a crisis. He believes that the rise of China, the decline of the US economy, and the increasing influence of authoritarian regimes have led to a decline in the liberal order. Zakaria argues that this decline is not just a result of external factors, but also internal ones, such as the rise of nationalism and populism in the US.

In conclusion, Zakaria begins his conclusion with Lippmann's quote to illustrate the political dysfunction of the United States and the decline of the US-led liberal order. He argues that the liberal order is facing a crisis, and that this crisis is not just a moral issue, but also a political one. Zakaria believes that the rise of populist and nationalist movements is a result of the decline of the liberal order, and that this decline is a result of internal and external factors. By starting his conclusion with Lippmann's quote, Zakaria sets the tone for his final thoughts on the state of the world and the liberal order.

The Significance of Lippmann's Quote

Lippmann's quote is significant because it highlights the importance of moral values and community in a rapidly changing world. Zakaria argues that the decline of these values has led to a rise in nationalism and populism, and that this decline is a result of the decline of the liberal order. By using Lippmann's quote, Zakaria is highlighting the importance of moral values and community in a world that is increasingly fragmented and divided.

The Future of the Liberal Order

So, what does the future hold for the liberal order? Zakaria argues that the liberal order is facing a crisis, and that this crisis is not just a result of external factors, but also internal ones. He believes that the rise of populist and nationalist movements is a result of the decline of the liberal order, and that this decline is a result of the decline of moral values and community. Zakaria argues that the liberal order needs to be reformed, and that this reform needs to be based on a new understanding of the role of the state, the economy, and civil society.

The Role of the State

Zakaria argues that the state needs to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing the liberal order. He believes that the state needs to be more responsive to the needs of citizens, and that it needs to be more effective in addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and economic instability. Zakaria argues that the state needs to be more collaborative, and that it needs to work more closely with civil society and the private sector to address these challenges.

The Role of Civil Society

Zakaria argues that civil society needs to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing the liberal order. He believes that civil society needs to be more engaged, and that it needs to be more effective in holding the state and the private sector accountable for their actions. Zakaria argues that civil society needs to be more collaborative, and that it needs to work more closely with the state and the private sector to address these challenges.

The Role of the Private Sector

Zakaria argues that the private sector needs to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing the liberal order. He believes that the private sector needs to be more responsible, and that it needs to be more effective in addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and economic instability. Zakaria argues that the private sector needs to be more collaborative, and that it needs to work more closely with the state and civil society to address these challenges.

In our previous article, we explored the significance of Walter Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals" in Fareed Zakaria's conclusion. Zakaria begins his conclusion with a thought-provoking quote from Lippmann's book, which sets the tone for his final thoughts on the state of the world and the liberal order. But what does this quote really mean, and why is it so significant? In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Lippmann's quote and its significance in Zakaria's conclusion.

Q: What is the main argument of Walter Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals"?

A: The main argument of Lippmann's "A Preface to Morals" is that the rapid changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization have led to a decline in traditional moral values and a sense of community. Lippmann argues that this decline is not just a moral issue, but also a political one, as it has led to a rise in nationalism and authoritarianism.

Q: Why does Zakaria choose to begin his conclusion with Lippmann's quote?

A: Zakaria chooses to begin his conclusion with Lippmann's quote because he believes that the liberal order is facing a similar crisis today. He argues that the rapid changes brought about by globalization, technological advancements, and demographic shifts have led to a decline in traditional values and a sense of community. Zakaria believes that this decline is not just a moral issue, but also a political one, as it has led to a rise in nationalism and populism.

Q: What is the significance of Lippmann's quote in Zakaria's conclusion?

A: The significance of Lippmann's quote in Zakaria's conclusion is that it highlights the importance of moral values and community in a rapidly changing world. Zakaria argues that the decline of these values has led to a rise in nationalism and populism, and that this decline is a result of the decline of the liberal order. By using Lippmann's quote, Zakaria is highlighting the importance of moral values and community in a world that is increasingly fragmented and divided.

Q: What does Zakaria mean by the "decline of the liberal order"?

A: Zakaria means that the liberal order, which has been the cornerstone of international relations since World War II, is facing a crisis. He believes that the rise of China, the decline of the US economy, and the increasing influence of authoritarian regimes have led to a decline in the liberal order. Zakaria argues that this decline is not just a result of external factors, but also internal ones, such as the rise of nationalism and populism in the US.

Q: What are the implications of the decline of the liberal order?

A: The implications of the decline of the liberal order are far-reaching. Zakaria argues that the rise of nationalism and populism has led to a decline in international cooperation and a rise in protectionism. He believes that this decline has also led to a rise in authoritarianism and a decline in human rights. Zakaria argues that the liberal order needs to be reformed, and that this reform needs to be based on a new understanding of the role of the state, the economy, and civil society.

Q: What can be done to address the decline of the liberal order?

A: Zakaria argues that the liberal order needs to be reformed, and that this reform needs to be based on a new understanding of the role of the state, the economy, and civil society. He believes that the state needs to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing the liberal order, and that civil society needs to be more engaged and effective in holding the state and the private sector accountable for their actions. Zakaria also argues that the private sector needs to be more responsible and effective in addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and economic instability.

In conclusion, Lippmann's quote is a significant part of Zakaria's conclusion because it highlights the importance of moral values and community in a rapidly changing world. Zakaria argues that the decline of these values has led to a rise in nationalism and populism, and that this decline is a result of the decline of the liberal order. By using Lippmann's quote, Zakaria is highlighting the importance of moral values and community in a world that is increasingly fragmented and divided.