This fascinating book questions whether such a misunderstood ideal should be lauded as an end in itselfThis book arrives at an interesting moment. Elon Musk has declared himself a “free speech absolutist”. JD Vance worries that free speech in Europe is “in retreat”. Donald Trump issues an executive order “restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship”. Meanwhile, journalists are routinely abused, threatened with lawsuits and branded enemies of the people. US federal agencies circulate lists of red-flag words such as “equality”, “gender” and “disabled”, and reporters are denied White House access for referring to the Gulf of Mexico by its actual name. Free speech is, shall we say, an elastic concept.In fact, as Fara Dabhoiwala explains in this meticulous and much-needed history, it has long been a “weaponized mantra” in a public sphere dominated by the moneyed and the powerful. Many of those who think of free speech as being uniquely under threat today are rich, white men...
Fara Dabhoiwala's book, "What Is Free Speech?," explores the history of free speech as a "weaponized mantra," particularly within the context of current debates surrounding its application and perceived threats. The book traces the concept's evolution to texts like Cato's Letters and highlights the influence of wealth and power on its interpretation, especially in European and American history.
