Crisis Quote by Terry Eagleton
“One side-effect of the so-called war on terror has been a crisis of liberalism. This is not only a question of alarmingly illiberal legislation, but a more general problem of how the liberal state deals with its anti-liberal enemies.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Liberalism in the Age of Terror” by Terry Eagleton, 2015
Liberal societies struggle to uphold freedoms while confronting anti‑liberal threats, risking self‑contradiction.
In simple terms: Freedom can be threatened by the very measures meant to protect it.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberty while confronting security.
Themes
politics
security
liberalism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public debate
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
civil liberties
state power
terrorism response
Questions to Reflect On
- How can liberal states confront anti‑liberal forces without compromising their core values?
- What safeguards prevent overreach?
A Different Perspective
Security measures can erode the freedoms they aim to protect.
