I was informed of this book a few weeks ago after sharing a conversation, and a pint, with a friend of mine at our Toronto local. After an in-depth discussion about the current state of “Liberalism”, my friend let me know that she’s working with an author about to publish a book on the rise of illiberalism in Europe. Needless to say, my first question was can you get me a copy? Two weeks later, here I am writing this review.
When the book was first described to me, I envisioned an analytical reflection on the political dynamics that have resulted in a “resurgence of the Right”, in that sense I was disappointed. But for what the book lacks in analysis and political theory, it makes up for with a journalistic retelling of the events that have led to the current political status quo in four countries (the book covers five but we’ll get into that later).
With this, Mastering the Past makes for a great primer for anyone looking to delve into a deeper historical understanding of the countries discussed.
Before moving forward though, it might be worth noting that the “book” is actually being presented as a collection of essays, most of which have been previously published in the New England Review. Either way, and away from technicalities, let us press on.
An Overview
The book contextualizes historic events in 5 countries, Russia, Poland, Hungary, The Czech Republic, and concludes with Germany. It might be perplexing as to why Germany belongs in a book about illiberalism, and it should be. Germany, at least in contemporary history, has not even come close to witnessing the centralization of power that the other four countries have experienced in the past decade and a half. The book doesn't even occupy itself with illiberalism in Germany, rather, it explores the collapse of the Berlin wall and its 10th and 20th anniversaries. But including Germany, especially positioned as the last section of the book, holds significance in two ways. First, it artistically frames the book, and the countries tackled, within their common post-soviet economic and democratic struggles, a recurring theme. Second, it provides for an ominous warning to the events discussed in the book, and perhaps, for events yet to come.
For the rest of the four countries, The author (Ellen Hinsey), provides first hand accounts and reflections on key historic events that have led to the current political status quo, protests, movements, uprisings, and even notable deaths. Her accounts and reflections are supplemented with transcriptions of interviews conducted by the author with prominent figures. It’s through these interviews that what little analysis of the causes, as well as possible solutions of illiberalism, are presented.
Through these events, Hinsey reveals the themes surrounding illiberal governance and its accompanied “ideology”, although the book also presents illiberalism as a result of power-hungry politicians, “mafiosos”. The books most powerful movement is in unequivocally dispelling the notion that the path to democracy is a linear and sequential one, one that is uni-directional. On a secondary level, it raises important questions about the role of liberal market systems in the democratization process.
When it comes to the writing, Hinsey employs skillful journalistic storytelling. This helps in digesting a great deal of information with ease and consistency, giving the book an overall flow hard to find in essay collections.
Some lost points
The book’s scope presented a great opportunity to embark on an analytical journey on the causes of changes in all these countries, a sort of cross-sectional study if you will. Instead of capitalizing on this, Hinsey, chose instead to maintain a journalistic distance, perhaps in a conscious effort to leave the analysis and interpretations to her readers.
The retelling of historic events also seemed to begin only after current players have taken power, as such it fails to explore the democratic process under which those in power attained the keys to their empires.
Final thoughts
As previously mentioned, this book serves as a great primer on the history of four countries which, more often than not, are left out of the discussion of current affairs and governance. This makes it an important resource for anyone trying to get a greater grasp on the current trend of worldwide populism.
As a final note, it’s a must to acknowledge the wealth of information Hinsey displays in her book, to report on five countries drawing on both personal experience and first-hand interviews of key figures are no small feat.