Rawls' Liberalism As A Political Model For Former USSR Countries

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In most former USSR countries, there is misunderstanding and stereotypes in regard to liberalism. Liberalism is considered to be an embodiment of anarchy and lawlessness. It is seen as an ideology of consumerism and amorality. Furthermore, it is considered to be an ideology of capitalism, deregulated markets, and a major factor of social dysfunctions and disparity of different social groups. Liberalism is frequently and wrongly interpreted as a concept which is alien to the traditional perceptions, and even as a seducing the moral structure ideology. The disappointment and misinterpretation of liberalism in our region is due to a systematic crisis which was caused by so-called “liberal” reforms.

However, there are different kinds of liberalism which should be distinguished. Neo-liberalism which caused the crisis and misunderstanding across former Soviet Union countries is different from liberalism introduced by Rawls. In his book, Rawls suggests the form of liberalism which aims at the creation of a pluralistic society that does not contradict other existing ideologies and religions. That means that every religion and ideology has right to exist in pluralistic society, where there is a consensus in the fundamental values and existing disagreements between followers of various religions and cultures are being solved through the dialogue within the bounds of the law.

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Rawls criticizes comprehensive liberalism which aims at establishing its own philosophical conception of “good life” which could be contrary to traditions of a certain part of society. Therefore, Rawls’ political liberalism does not exclude the existence of different understandings of “good life” arising from different religions and cultures and it does not contradict to values existing in them. Political liberalism by Rawls makes the coexistence of different concepts of “good life” possible meaning that there is no need for a different group of societies to change their perception of “good life” however the agreement of these groups in certain principles is important for maintaining peace and justice. Enforcement is possible only in response to direct risk to foundations of social cohesion.

So, even though Rawls’ liberalism is very utopian I think it can be a good political model for former USSR countries. Post-Soviet Union region is multicultural, multi-religious and a very conservative society. Liberalism by Rawls is a very good form of political liberty for conservative people because it supports a model of a neutral state which in turn supports justice without interfering in traditions and religions. Therefore, the model of pluralistic and religiously inclusive political liberalism could be a good ideological and theoretical model in political socio-economic development for post-soviet countries. Also, it can be ideal for building just and human-oriented society.

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