The Gilded Cage: Why America’s Retreat from Openness Dims the Promise of a Golden Age

History, as Johan Norberg meticulously details in “Peak Human,” offers a compelling narrative: societies that flourish, those that ascend to the coveted status of a “golden age,” are invariably those that embrace openness. They are the polities that welcome trade, that extend a hand to strangers, and that dare to engage with ideas that challenge the status quo. From the Song Dynasty’s embrace of meritocracy and free markets to Rome’s cultivation of alliances and the intellectual ferment of Athens, the lesson rings clear: openness breeds prosperity, innovation, and cultural ascendancy.

Conversely, the annals of history are littered with the cautionary tales of once-great civilizations that succumbed to the siren call of isolationism. The Ming Dynasty, once a beacon of progress, withered when it closed its borders and stifled free exchange. Rome, despite its vast empire, crumbled under the weight of protectionist policies and the suppression of intellectual dissent. These historical precedents are not mere academic curiosities; they are stark warnings against the seductive but ultimately self-destructive impulse to retreat from the world.  

And yet, as America stands at a critical juncture, the very principles that have historically fueled golden ages are being systematically dismantled. The current administration, with its “America First” rhetoric and its penchant for erecting barriers – both literal and metaphorical – is charting a course that flies in the face of historical wisdom.

The administration’s trade policies, marked by punitive tariffs and a disdain for multilateral agreements, threaten to unravel the intricate web of global commerce that has been a cornerstone of American prosperity. The notion that erecting walls against foreign goods will somehow revitalize domestic industries is a dangerous fallacy, one that ignores the complex and interconnected nature of modern supply chains. History demonstrates that protectionism leads not to prosperity but to stagnation and decline.  

Furthermore, the administration’s stance on immigration, characterized by xenophobic rhetoric and draconian enforcement measures, undermines the very fabric of American dynamism. Throughout history, the influx of new ideas, new skills, and new perspectives has been a catalyst for innovation and growth. To shut our doors to those seeking opportunity is to stifle the very forces that have made America a global leader.

Perhaps most concerning is the administration’s assault on the free exchange of ideas. The demonization of the press, the dismissal of scientific consensus, and the promotion of conspiracy theories create a climate of intellectual hostility that stifles critical thinking and undermines the very foundations of a democratic society. History teaches us that “Socrates moments” – the silencing of rational voices – are a harbinger of societal decay.  

The argument is not that the past can be perfectly replicated. Each golden age had its imperfections, and the present era is not without its challenges. However, the fundamental principles of openness remain as relevant as ever. In a world increasingly interconnected, the impulse to retreat is not only misguided but also profoundly dangerous.

The administration’s policies are not merely a departure from historical precedent; they are a direct assault on the very conditions that have historically fostered golden ages. The erection of trade barriers, the demonization of immigrants, and the suppression of dissenting voices are not the hallmarks of a nation on the rise; they are the symptoms of a society in decline.

To suggest that a “golden age” is within reach under the current administration is to ignore the stark realities of its policies and the overwhelming weight of historical evidence. The gilded cage of isolationism and protectionism may offer a fleeting illusion of security, but it ultimately leads to stagnation and decay.

Norberg’s “Peak Human” is not a prophecy of doom, but a call to action. It reminds us that “failure is not a fate but a choice.” The current age of globalization, despite its imperfections, offers the potential for unprecedented human flourishing. But to realize that potential, we must reject the siren song of isolationism and embrace the enduring wisdom of history: openness is not a weakness; it is our greatest strength.