In Defense Of Radical Centrism

I know this may get me in trouble. But since you’re following my writing I think I should clearly tell you where I stand and how I view the world.

I believe in evolution, the scientific method, and global warming. I believe in free speech, whether politically correct or not. I believe in capitalism, free markets, and entrepreneurship. I believe in personal freedoms and responsibility. I believe there is evil in the world, and we must be prepared to protect ourselves and our communities. But I also think most people are fundamentally decent and good and trying their best.

I believe we live in the best period in human history and that progress is possible but not guaranteed. Advances result from our daily efforts to protect the democratic institutions we inherited and build on top of that foundation. I believe in meritocracy and that we must do more to open opportunities for all. I think immigration can make a country stronger but comes with challenges that we must address. I believe in an efficient government that does not spend resources telling people who to marry or what religion to follow.

My values have their roots in secular humanism, yet I respect the Christian traditions of my upbringing and culturally identify with this heritage.

It should not surprise you that my vote usually goes to the Liberal political parties and politicians, but if you ask me where I stand, I’d tell you I’m a radical centrist.

What Is Radical Centrism

First, what it isn’t: it’s not picking the middle or the moderate position in any debate. That’s simply an ideology of a different type. I don’t believe the Earth is somewhat flat or that slavery is sometimes acceptable.

A centrist will take a strong stance whenever possible, but at the same time, acknowledge the world is complex and messy, full of ambiguities and nuances. I try, sometimes successfully and other times not, to keep an open mind for good ideas irrespective of their source and judge them on their merits.

I’m also not against idealism. After all, one of my deeply held beliefs is that the European Union should evolve into a republic. But I attempt to reject illusions by searching for solutions that are realistic and pragmatic. These ideas are not incompatible.

So What Is Radical About That?

Centrists generally believe in gradual, incremental change. I do, too. But I acknowledge there are historical moments when responding to grand challenges requires swift, decisive action. I prefer gradual change, but I do not outright deny the possibility of structural, radical change.

The popular critique of a centrist being someone straw-manning the right and left to feel more intelligent is a straw-man in itself. The core idea of radical centrism is that your belief system should not come pre-packaged. Gun control views can predict pretty well other stances like immigration. A centrist will often times surprise you with their positions, and in the process inevitably upset quite a few people.

But that’s okay because the goal is not groupthink but a critical examination of the facts at hand and a desire to move things forward by building bridges with civility, compassion, and common sense.