Conclusion: Towards a Political Economy of Rights and Interests

Abstract

The conclusion offers some reflections upon why the lessons of classical liberal political economy are relevant today, particularly as certain inaccurate and naïve readings of the classical liberal tradition regarding free markets and individual autonomy continue to influence economic and political debate. Re-examining the historical and intellectual roots of classical liberal political economy may also shed light on the much observed problem of civic and political apathy in many advanced liberal democracies by rediscovering forgotten or neglected aspects of liberalism that can assist people today in our efforts to negotiate difficult moral conflicts and reconcile clashing economic interests. Recovering classical political liberal economy can help us avoid the extremes of both “neo-liberalism” and “illiberal democracy.”