Across the world authoritarians want to tell us what a ‘good life’ looks like. Here’s how liberals must respond | Alexandre Lefebvre

Across the globe, authoritarian regimes are attempting to dictate what constitutes a "good life" for citizens. Meanwhile, liberals in democracies must provide a compelling answer to this age-old political question. In liberal societies, the state is expected to protect rights, foster economic growth, maintain stability, ensure fairness, and adjudicate disputes.

However, when it comes to the most fundamental aspects of life – the purpose of existence and the ideal way to live – the state is supposed to remain neutral. The government should not favor any particular vision of human flourishing or actively promote it. As the Minnesota governor Tim Walz once put it, "Mind your own damn business!"

One pressing issue facing wealthy nations is declining birth rates. Across much of the developed world, the number of children being born has fallen below the level needed to maintain a stable population. This trend poses significant challenges, as fewer young people mean fewer future workers, taxpayers, and caregivers. Pensions, healthcare systems, and aged care facilities are all under strain as a result.

Yet, when liberal democracies attempt to address this issue by encouraging larger families through measures such as baby bonuses, affordable childcare, or other incentives, they typically frame their efforts as removing barriers and expanding individuals' choices. Importantly, these policies are designed to benefit everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, family structure, or other factors.

Gay parents, straight parents, adoptive parents, biological parents, married couples, and single parents – all should have an equal opportunity to participate.