"[Liberalism and Its Discontents is] a rare thing: [an] academic treatise that may actually have influence in the arena of practical politics . . . Fukuyama writes with a crystalline rationality." ―Joe Klein, New York Times Book Review "Liberalism and its Discontents is a sterling book . . . Powerful and well-executed." ―Seamus Flaherty, Quillette "An eloquent and eminently sensible defense of liberal freedom and pluralism that should be read and debated by leaders and activists across the ideological spectrum. This clearly written and concisely argued book highlights Fukuyama’s lifelong examination of the political theories and systems that shape human history―and in turn get shaped by its developments.” ―John Halpin, Washington Monthly "Essential reading . . . Fukuyama’s scholarly, yet approachable work is highly recommended for any reader interested in understanding the current political environment." ―Library Journal "A liberalism under siege from right and left gets a measured defense in this incisive treatise . . . lucid [and] insightful . . . [A]n authoritative and accessible diagnosis of how liberalism went wrong and how it can reclaim its best impulses." ―Publishers Weekly "[Fukuyama’s] thinking here is democratic to the core . . . A deceptively slender but rich argument in favor of conserving liberal ideals―and liberal government." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Urgent and timely . . . A vital strength of this slim, elegant book is that it is crystalline in its definitions, even while acknowledging the complexities of practice . . . A brilliantly acute summary of the way some aspects of liberal thought have consumed themselves." ―Andrew Anthony, The Guardian

Preface 1. What Is Classical Liberalism? 2. From Liberalism to Neoliberalism 3. The Selfish Individual 4. The Sovereign Self 5. Liberalism Turns on Itself 6. The Critique of Rationality 7. Technology, Privacy, and Freedom of Speech 8. Are There Alternatives? 9. National Identity 10. Principles for a Liberal Society Notes Bibliography Index