Liberalism as a Way of Life – What Exactly are we Defending?

INVITATION
Liberalism and its Critics
Liberalism as a Way of Life – What Exactly are we Defending?

A conver­sation with Alexandre Lefebvre, Ralf Fücks and Karolina Wigura

Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Time: 06 p.m. – 07:30 p.m. (doors open 05:45 p.m.)
Place: Zentrum Liberale Moderne, Reinhardt­straße 15, 10117 Berlin

Liberalism is under pressure—politically, cultu­rally, and intellec­tually. In our event series Liberalism and its Critics, part of the broader publi­cation project Vordenker der liberalen Moderne (Thought Leaders of Liberal Modernity), we explore both the vulnerabi­lities of liberal societies and the critiques that have emerged from across the political spectrum.

In this upcoming session, we welcome Alexandre Lefebvre (University of Sydney), one of the most original contem­porary thinkers on liberalism. In his recent book Liberalism as a Way of Life (Princeton, 2024), Lefebvre argues that liberalism is more than a political program or consti­tu­tional order. It is also a lived culture, shaping our norms, moral intui­tions, everyday practices, and even our sense of humor. This perspective invites a renewed question: When liberalism is attacked today, what exactly is being rejected: insti­tu­tions, values, or a whole way of living?

The discussion will engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time: Why has liberalism become the object of growing resentment and fatigue? Where are its blind spots and where are its strengths often undere­sti­mated? And how should liberals respond to the rising appeal of political forces that do not merely seek to govern, but to actively define a collective under­standing of the good life?

We cordially invite you to join us for this conver­sation and to reflect together on the future of liberal modernity.

The conver­sation will take place in English. Please register using the regis­tration button below.

We look forward to your participation.

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