In this book, Ralf Dahrendorf asks whether revolutions inevitably fall short of their transformative ideals. Using the 1989 revolutions in Eastern Europe as a case study, he argues that while they succeeded in toppling authoritarian regimes, they often fail to establish lasting democratic institutions. Revolutions typically create unstable conditions that hinder the building of civil society and political liberty.

What's the philosophical foundation of open societies and what are their vulnerabilities? Drawing on Karl Popper, Dahrendorf reflects on the tension between pluralism and the human desire for meaning. He explores how open societies must defend against internal threats like nationalism and fundamentalism, which can exploit the perceived emptiness of liberal values.

Dahrendorf discusses the search for identity in post-authoritarian societies. He introduces ligatures, deep cultural or communal ties, and questions whether the open society, with its emphasis on individual choice and civic freedom, can satisfy the human need for belonging and purpose.

Building on Walter Lippmann’s The Good Society, Dahrendorf argues that liberalism must move beyond laissez-faire economics and embrace a rule-based order that protects against both state tyranny and private power. Dahrendorf supports a pragmatic liberalism grounded in institutions, reform, and modest visions of social cohesion. He studies the interaction between moral values, institutions, and civic life. Legitimate and accountable institutions are needed to sustain liberty and ensure stability. Without such frameworks, liberty becomes fragile and susceptible to anomy (normlessness).

Meritocracy and the pursuit of excellence are key values in a good society. Dahrendorf warns against leveling ideologies that disregard individual achievement and the structures necessary to foster and reward it. He confronts the tension between economic growth, social harmony, and personal freedom, and questions whether a society can truly harmonize these ideals or if trade-offs are inevitable. The challenge is to maintain civility and liberty without undermining prosperity—or vice versa.

Dahrendorf then analyzes the 1989 revolutions from a political science perspective, arguing that real democratic change depends not on utopian hopes but on institutional design and political realism. Revolutions must be channeled into constitutional reforms to avoid chaos.

There is a dynamic relationship between economic forces and political power. Dahrendorf critiques deterministic views of history and instead emphasizes the complex agency of political actors within economic constraints.

Dahrendorf reflects on the role of the social sciences in a post-revolutionary world. He calls for a reinvigorated and morally aware social science that contributes constructively to public debate and the shaping of open societies.

Dahrendorf defends Enlightenment values—reason, critique, and progress—against postmodern relativism and anti-intellectualism. He insists that intellectuals have a duty to uphold rational discourse and civic responsibility.

Focusing on Berlin, Dahrendorf traces the reconstruction of civil society in Germany after World War II. He highlights the city’s symbolic role in the rebirth of democracy and the continuing challenges of reunification. Dahrendorf then compares German and British approaches to democracy, emphasizing cultural and institutional differences. He reflects on how Germany has learned from its history to build a resilient democratic order. He addresses the tension between integration and identity in Europe, and advocates for a European project that respects diversity while building shared institutions and values.

Concluding the book, Dahrendorf narrates the evolution of the European Union, stressing its successes, shortcomings, and the necessity of learning through experimentation. He maintains cautious optimism about the EU’s potential to uphold freedom and democracy.

Source:

Dahrendorf, R. (1997), After 1989: Morals, Revolution and Civil Society, London: Palgrave Macmillan.