History Is Running Backwards
This opinion piece argues that global society is experiencing a significant reversal of modernization trends, moving away from liberal democracy and secularism toward authoritarianism and traditionalism. The author draws parallels between pre-revolution Tehran and current global shifts, noting the rise of religious traditionalism, such as young Americans joining Eastern Orthodox churches, and the return of authoritarian strongmen like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The article suggests that the promised progress of the Enlightenment—characterized by individual rights, scientific reason, and multilateral cooperation—is being rejected by billions who perceive modernity as spiritually empty and confusing. Instead, there is a widespread nostalgic yearning for perceived golden ages, ranging from the 1950s social mores in the US to imperial ambitions in Russia and China. The text highlights how this reactionary impulse drives contemporary politics, reviving 19th-century great-power rivalries and rejecting modern innovations like vaccines. By citing historical precedents such as the Italian Renaissance and the Ming Dynasty's retreat from exploration, the author contends that civilizations frequently turn back the clock, challenging the assumption that historical progress is linear or inevitable.
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History Is Running Backwards
This opinion piece argues that global society is experiencing a significant reversal of modernization trends, moving away from liberal democracy and secularism toward authoritarianism and traditionalism. The author draws parallels between pre-revolution Tehran and current global shifts, noting the rise of religious traditionalism, such as young Americans joining Eastern Orthodox churches, and the return of authoritarian strongmen like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The article suggests that the promised progress of the Enlightenment—characterized by individual rights, scientific reason, and multilateral cooperation—is being rejected by billions who perceive modernity as spiritually empty and confusing. Instead, there is a widespread nostalgic yearning for perceived golden ages, ranging from the 1950s social mores in the US to imperial ambitions in Russia and China. The text highlights how this reactionary impulse drives contemporary politics, reviving 19th-century great-power rivalries and rejecting modern innovations like vaccines. By citing historical precedents such as the Italian Renaissance and the Ming Dynasty's retreat from exploration, the author contends that civilizations frequently turn back the clock, challenging the assumption that historical progress is linear or inevitable.
theatlantic