That sound you hear is not the world ending – it’s liberalism being monstered | Waleed Aly
News Source
•Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:00:08 GMT
📰 What Happened
Waleed Aly argues that many people no longer believe in progress. In his essay he says we see 'monsters' everywhere. Some see them in tech billionaires, AI or social media. Others see them in migrants, protesters or political parties.
He points to far-right rallies like the Marches for Australia and Unite the Kingdom. He says the aim of these movements is not a policy win but to break the system.
Aly warns that losing faith in progress becomes a crisis for liberal societies. When people stop believing things can get better, politics turns into a battle between enemies.
🔍 The Backstory
Waleed Aly is a well-known Australian journalist and commentator. He has written about politics, religion and culture for many years.
The essay reflects a wider mood of distrust in institutions, media and government. Student protests against Pauline Hanson in Sydney show some of that tension.
Liberalism is the idea that societies improve through open debate, rights and democratic change. Aly argues that idea is under attack from all sides.
🎯 Why It Matters
This column helps explain why politics feels so angry and divided today. When people lose hope in progress, distrust grows. Understanding that can help rebuild trust.
Waleed Aly argues that many people no longer believe in progress. In his essay he says we see 'monsters' everywhere. Some see them in tech billionaires, AI or social media. Others see them in migrants, protesters or political parties.
He points to far-right rallies like the Marches for Australia and Unite the Kingdom. He says the aim of these movements is not a policy win but to break the system.
Aly warns that losing faith in progress becomes a crisis for liberal societies. When people stop believing things can get better, politics turns into a battle between enemies.
Waleed Aly is a well-known Australian journalist and commentator. He has written about politics, religion and culture for many years.
The essay reflects a wider mood of distrust in institutions, media and government. Student protests against Pauline Hanson in Sydney show some of that tension.
Liberalism is the idea that societies improve through open debate, rights and democratic change. Aly argues that idea is under attack from all sides.
This column helps explain why politics feels so angry and divided today. When people lose hope in progress, distrust grows. Understanding that can help rebuild trust.