How long can centrists keep the radicals at bay?

Anti-liberal radicalism is rising in the West. And the establishment has no plan to stop it.

Marine Le Pen supporters wave French flags.
(Image credit: AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

If you're relishing a moment of political relief at the outcome of Sunday's election in France — delighted that the far-right candidate (Marine Le Pen of the National Front) came in second place behind the handsome 39-year-old centrist neoliberal technocrat Emmanuel Macron, who is overwhelmingly favored to prevail in the second round of voting on May 7 — you should go right ahead and enjoy it.

But don't let the celebration last too long.

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Damon Linker

Damon Linker is a senior correspondent at TheWeek.com. He is also a former contributing editor at The New Republic and the author of The Theocons and The Religious Test.