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The New Road to Serfdom: A Letter of Warning to America

Daniel Hannan

4.08 · Rating details · 569 ratings · 69 reviews

In March 2009, British conservative Daniel Hannan became a celebrity overnight when he assailed prime minister Gordon Brown on the floor of the European Parliament. A thoughtful and articulate spokesman for conservative ideas, Hannan is better versed in America's traditions and founding documents than many Americans are. In The New Road to Serfdom, Hannan argues forcefully ...more

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Hardcover, 224 pages

Published September 28th 2010 by Harper

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Feb 17, 2017 Rob Squires rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, culture-and-society, philo-polit-theory

This pre-Brexit book, published in 2010, is rather prescient since it warns Americans to not go the way of the European Union (EU) prior to the population of the UK actually taking the same advice and voting not to remain. Written by a British MEP, it serves as an articulate reminder to Americans regarding the blessings and uniqueness of our great experiment in democracy. It details the pitfalls and delusional utopianism of socialism and warns us to not to compromise our sovereignty in the name ...more

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Nov 30, 2010 Bernie rated it really liked it

The New Road to Serfdom by Daniel Hannan

You might recall this conservative member of the European Parliament for his outspoken criticism of Obama-Care in the months before the bill passed. Hannan warned the US that it would be foolish to throw away its health care system to follow the example of Britain, where the NHS has resulted in some of the worst care (not to mention avoidable death) in the western world.

We didn’t listen. So Hannan is back with a book that has little in common with the ori ...more

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Nov 09, 2016 Kris rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks

I have to rate this 5 stars just because there are so many amazing points in here and it's so eloquently written. But it's an ultra-conservative, pro-capitalist book, so I can see why many might get offended by it. But it falls right into my category! Ideological without being too political.

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Jan 19, 2011 Matthew rated it really liked it

Daniel Hannan is a member of the European Parliament from South East England. He became famous for a speech criticizing Gordon Brown's government and Britain's economic policy and staggering debt that went viral on YouTube. I am a bit ashamed to have to recommend a book by an Englishman reminding America of its greatness and what has made us exceptional, but it seems we are forgetting, and our political class is becoming ever more hostile to the notion of American exceptionalism.

As Hannan argues Daniel Hannan is a member of the European Parliament from South East England. He became famous for a speech criticizing Gordon Brown's government and Britain's economic policy and staggering debt that went viral on YouTube. I am a bit ashamed to have to recommend a book by an Englishman reminding America of its greatness and what has made us exceptional, but it seems we are forgetting, and our political class is becoming ever more hostile to the notion of American exceptionalism.

As Hannan argues, America is in fact exceptional. It is the only nation that is defined by its principles rather than by a race, ethnicity, or mere geography. Hannan warns that America is in danger of sacrificing its founding principles to become more like Europe with its centralized welfare states and unwillingness to support the ideals of democracy and liberty throughout the world. This centralization--embodied in the EU as well as the individual European states' governments--has resulted in economic stagnation, institutional unemployment, the inability of electorates to effect any change through the ballot, and the erosion of civic morality in Britain as well as on the Continent. Socialism and unaccountable bureaucracies, while coming about through good intentions perhaps, do not succeed in providing their intended benefits. The welfare structure, instead of helping people out of poverty, traps them in it. Government provision of services people and communities can provide for themselves are of poor quality and breed a dependent, uncaring citizenry eventually unaccustomed to civic participation. Europe's political structure has created a governing class of bureaucrats and politicians unaccountable to and uninterested in the will of Europe's people. Like Hayek, from whom the book takes its title, Hannan sees the EU and other attempts at centralization as a return to feudalism of sorts whereby the people are governed without any recourse to correct errant leaders or policies.

There is much packed into this very short, well-written book. Hannan, like Tocqueville in the 19th century, has a keen grasp on American institutions and society. He continually returns to federalism as the source of America's liberty and prosperity. Indeed, there has probably not been an eminent American who has praised federalism so highly since James Madison. Hannan sees America as moving away from federalism, by which he means empowered states and local governments, toward Europeanization, by which he means increased governance by unaccountable federal bureaucracies and federal involvement in health care and the private sphere as well as the usurpation of prerogatives traditionally left to states and citizens. "Europeanization," he states, "is incompatible with the vision of the founders and the spirit of the republic." It is federalism that allows for true self-governance and cultural and economic flourishing. Hannan emphasizes that Americans do not realize how unique they are in that they elect nearly every local, state, and national public officeholder, and he points to elections, civic participation, and open primaries--also very unique to America--as bulwarks against the aggrandizement of the state at the expense of the individual.

Hannan, though British, unashamedly states that America is a city on a hill, quoting John Winthrop more than once. In fact he relishes America's exceptionalism as the fruit of British political thought and practice. He pleads to America not to relinquish its principles of liberty and self-government and travel further down the path of centralization or succumb to the pressures of fashionable anti-Americanism. Once self-government is relinquished, as it has been in Britain, it is not easily, if ever, recovered. ...more

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Sep 16, 2010 Frank Roberts rated it really liked it

Shelves: political-science

I approached this book almost expecting an Ann Coulter-style polemic, full of nothing but bashing of Obama and liberals in general. What I found instead was a very insightful and enjoyable exercise in comparative political science.

The author is a British member of the European parliament, and in this book he examines aspects of the American system of governance that set us apart from both Europe and Britain, including decentralization, elections for judges and local officials, open primaries an ...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Rhonda rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2011

Basically a warning written by Britishman Daniel Hannan to the American people about not abandoning our founding principles of freedom which will lead us into socialism.

Favorite Quote:

"The eyes of all people are upon you. And if they see you repudiate your past, abandon that which has brought you to greatness, become just another country, they, too, will have lost something.
So let me close with a heartfelt imprecation, from a Briton who loves his country to Americans who still believe in theirs. ...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Kit Swindle rated it it was amazing

Often, it is hard to hear someone's critique of a thing that you hold dear, and for other times, it is refreshing to be exposed to various ideas and concepts. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Hannan's book; I truly had little knowledge about the European Union, and, prior to reading this book, I considered myself one who thought we (American's) had little appreciation for the European way of life.

However, after living in Europe for the past 2 years and reading this book, I am proud to say that I am an A ...more

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Nov 18, 2010 Heather rated it it was amazing

Even though the subject matter was a downer (American political system turning into European-style socialism), Hannon does a beautiful job of reinforcing how and why the United States is so exceptional and why we should keep it that way. Having the book written from the perspective of a British member of the European Parliament gave it even more credibility.
Every American citizen, regardless of political party, should read this book- because it's every American's freedoms that get eaten up by ...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Justin Aldrich rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2011

I read this "Tea Party" book as a courtesy to a conservative friend. It was filled with blatant inaccuracy, tons of stats and numerical claims without citations, and revisionist history you'd expect to find in a Bob Jones textbook. He made a few good points about government size and responsibility, but most of it was colonialist, pro-establishment, xenophobic nonsense.

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Mar 25, 2011 Chris rated it it was amazing

I was a bit hesitant to read this book. After all, books by American politicians are a but underwhelming, to say the least. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. Daniel Hannan, a British MP, has written a thoughtful and engaging book. Hannan compares the American political system with the European system and warns the U.S. not to pursue the European path. I have never really paid much attention to European politics, but as bad as I sometimes think American politics is, the European system doe I was a bit hesitant to read this book. After all, books by American politicians are a but underwhelming, to say the least. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. Daniel Hannan, a British MP, has written a thoughtful and engaging book. Hannan compares the American political system with the European system and warns the U.S. not to pursue the European path. I have never really paid much attention to European politics, but as bad as I sometimes think American politics is, the European system does appear to be worse due to things such as closed primaries, voting for lists of candidates (making it impossible for senior politicians to be defeated-at least hypothetically Barney Frank could lose a primary), and surrendering national sovereignty via the European Union. Hannan rightly connects the latter with states surrendering sovereignty to the federal government. I have often wondered how many words the U.S. Constitution would be if it was written today. Hannan provides a hint of an answer when he points out that the EU Constitution contains 76,000 words, in contrast with the 7,200 words of the U.S. Constitution, and contains such "rights" as the right to strike, the right to free health care, and the right to affordable housing. Sadly, I do not thing this matters much because it does not seem like the U.S. Constitution does much to constrain our present government, besides doing something really blatant like banning free speech. I mean, it took a constitutional amendment to ban alcohol. Does anyone seriously think it would take another one to ban it again? The FDA would just declare alcohol a drug and regulate it, or Congress would just vote to ban it (like it does pot). Unsurprisingly, Hannan is opposed to government run health care. But, it is a nice surprise that he gives props to the Singapore health care system which is comprised of health savings accounts coupled with catastrophic insurance coverage. Singapore spends a fraction, in terms of GDP does, on health care and has better health outcomes. Too often, American politicians rail against "Obamacare" without providing an alternative, as if the status quo is sustainable. Hannan also warns of the passing of legislative powers from elected officials to elected bureaucrats. This is common in Britain and sadly common in America, where bills such as Dodd-Frank are passed with gaps and the gaps later filled in by the regulatory agencies. What legislator would pass a bill that has yet to be written? It is unbelievable, when you think of it.

Hannan's case is strong, but reading the book it becomes sadly clear that the U.S. is moving down the European path. Churchill once said that "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else.” I think it should be updated to say "You can always count on Americans to do the European thing-after they've seen the European thing doesn't work." One European thing I would like the Americans to do is elect enough Daniel Hannans to Congress to get a veto-proof majority :o) ...more

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Jun 08, 2010 Darla rated it really liked it

I'm just not as into writing about books these days as I once was, so 'thank you' to another GoodReads reviewer, Frank Roberts, for penning my thoughts for me (except for the Ann Coulter comment; I've heard Daniel on the radio enough to know his style is closer to Krauthammer & Will):

"I approached this book almost expecting an Ann Coulter-style polemic, full of nothing but bashing of Obama and liberals in general. What I found instead was a very insightful and enjoyable exercise in comparat I'm just not as into writing about books these days as I once was, so 'thank you' to another GoodReads reviewer, Frank Roberts, for penning my thoughts for me (except for the Ann Coulter comment; I've heard Daniel on the radio enough to know his style is closer to Krauthammer & Will):

"I approached this book almost expecting an Ann Coulter-style polemic, full of nothing but bashing of Obama and liberals in general. What I found instead was a very insightful and enjoyable exercise in comparative political science.

The author is a British member of the European parliament, and in this book he examines aspects of the American system of governance that set us apart from both Europe and Britain, including decentralization, elections for judges and local officials, open primaries and others. He convincingly demonstrates that America is different, and that these differences are intrinsic to the American political culture, a culture that is the exemplar and inspiration of those who love freedom around the world. He encourages and warns Americans not to adopt the European model, in healthcare, in immigration, in social policy, in fiscal policy, or in the empowering of unaccountable, unelected, centralized bureaucracies.

A powerful and inspiring read. Hannan also reminds the reader that to be an American is not to be the product of a particular place or lineage, but rather to be a participant in an idea. That idea is freedom, and those who hate freedom naturally hate America. Therefore, we shouldn't be too bothered by our critics abroad, and should remember that America has always set itself apart from Europe."

To Mr. Robert's comments, I will add, "The New Road to Serfdom" brought me close to tears a few times. It was so heartening to hear a European describe all that is bright and noble about this country, and even our often frustrating, imperfect government. For all the times that same government makes me want to scream, the US system is still the best the world has to offer- the most real freedom and real opportunity one can hope for.

I am so tired of her critics, both internal and external, tearing her down, ignoring the Founders,seeking to warp and change her, and trouncing the Constitution, whose words have as much meaning today as they did 235 years ago. They do this all in pursuit of some ill-begotten Utopian dream that will never exist in this fallen world. To actually hear how cumbersome and anti-democratic Europe, la belle du jour, is, and to see their system thoroughly compared and contrasted with ours, makes me a bit hopeful for the U.S., though it makes me sad, too, for all we have lost in the last 100 years.

I am grateful to Mr. Hannan for providing not only his critical, first hand knowledge of a system we, in the U.S., only hear of in laudatory tones, but also for sharing his own outsider's view on all that is praise-worthy in ours. ...more

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Nov 10, 2014 Sheryl Tribble rated it really liked it

Easy and enjoyable read. Knocked a star off for the grave lack of footnotes. That said, he regularly mentions the books he's bouncing off of and otherwise gives you the info you need to track down more info on his various claims. Since the Internet has proven so useful, I get less wound about books without footnotes than I used to.

One thing that intrigued me is that people from the Colonies went back to fight in the English Civil War; had not known that, although once he brought it up it made se ...more

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Dec 04, 2010 Katy rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary-issues, history-politics, politics

Daniel Hannan is a British citizen and a member of the European Parliament. Although this body is supposedly a representative legislative body, it is too big and too unwieldy to be anything more than a debating society. Mr Hannan writes about the trans national non-governmental agencies that increasingly govern European society yet are not accountable to anyone. Having spent a great deal of time traveling in the US as a student and later as a politician he has an appreciation of our country and ...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Doug rated it really liked it

As I prepare to move to London, it's nice to know there is at least one British politician who I can respect on that side of the Atlantic. In this quick read, MP Daniel Hannan warns his American cousins to abandon our present path toward emulating the European model of social democracy. By contrasting the founding documents, the process by which they were implemented, and political and social consequences of the EU and the US systems, Hannan builds a strong case for why America needs to stand tr ...more

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Jul 05, 2010 Naveen rated it it was amazing

I have finally found my political match! Intellectual but not elitist, Principled but not rigidly ideological, passionate but civil. Thank you Daniel for all your insights about European policies and their effects. Hopefully our political leaders will read this and act. This is one of those few non-fiction works that will not be anachronistic because it explains problems and solutions from a conservative philosophy and doesn't just throw out hackneyed talking points and myopic rhetoric. My only ...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Naomi rated it it was amazing

I enjoy the articles that I have read that have been written by this author and member of the EU Parliament and was excited when I had seen that he had written this book. It is amazing to me to see some of the insight in books that I have read by members of the press and government from oversees authors. This book is as good as Welcome to Obamaland: I Have Seen Your Future and It Doesn't Work.

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Dec 26, 2010 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, politics, economics

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I think enar the end the author gets a little on his high horse about Britain and is also a bit more laudatory of the Republican Party than I would be - though he does hit on the bad things they did in the 2000s. Overall a great book establishing the foundations of American politics and the ideas of individual liberty, limited government and representative deomcracy and how that differs greatly from the system/values/beliefs of the bureaucrats th ...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Douglas Audirsch rated it it was amazing

I am an unabashed fan of Daniel Hannan. Ever since the moment when I saw him berate PM Gordon Brown, I knew I liked his politics. In this book, he writes a letter of warning to America to avoid the path to Europeanization that we are currently walking. The book is easy to read, aside from a few anglicisms and archaic words, but it punches hard on a number of key current event issues. I highly recommend it!

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Nov 19, 2010 Lorigirl rated it it was amazing

Daniel Hannan offers his British gentlemanly and unique yet widely-shared perspective on how the only inevitable outcome with economic tyranny is that we are all once again serfs. History repeating the lessons never learned from Austrian-born economist and philosopher Friedrich von Hayeky's "Road to Serfdom own masterpiece written in 1943.

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Nov 29, 2010 Carlos Quijano rated it really liked it

Shelves: current-affairs, economics, politics

Leave it to a Briton to remind Americans of the uniqueness and, dare I say it, of our system of government. He demonstrates a great grasp of our founding documents, rooted as they are in the British legal tradition. He compares it with what Europe has become, a demoralized, stagnant society under the tyranny of bureaucrats. His message to us: Don't become another Europe.

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Nov 27, 2010 Richard rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: everyone

I give this book the highest possible rating. The author briefly, directly, clearly explains some of the dangers America faces if it follows Europe down the path of the welfare state and large centralized undemocratic government.

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Jan 07, 2011 Ryan Manganiello rated it it was amazing

Outstanding!!! An amazing Book, and highly recommended for anyone who has ever wished that our great country should strive to be more like, or completely replicate the "European Welfare Union".

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Nov 19, 2011 Michael Carr rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Amazing insight from a prophet outside the inner circle of United States political corruption. A hard smack in the face to politicians in general and a dire warning for America.

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Jan 17, 2019 Michael D. Kanner rated it really liked it

Consider this a modern-day de Tocqueville.

Hannan calls this a 'letter or warning' but it is also a love letter to the principles upon which the Republic was founded. From the beginning, he discusses that was made America great was not its government, but its focus on competition in politics as well as economics. He points out that when there is a choice on how you are governed, then it limits the excesses of politicians.

One of his warnings is that bipartisanship is not political parties working ...more

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Jan 08, 2017 Jean rated it did not like it

Conservative magical thinking in an Orwellian illusion of reality where rich will become serfs if they show some compassion and help when help is needed. The massive effort to rationalize the false trope of "helping causes dependency" is at work here. Read with an expectation of the agenda of the author.

This is more of the "don't feed stray dogs or they'll just keep coming back for more" philosophy - plus kick it when it's down that represents what passes for acceptable behavior to "them that's ...more

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Oct 31, 2017 Mark rated it it was amazing

This is a must read and an important "letter of warning" to the American people! The author, a journalist, has been a member of the European Parliament since 1999. From this perspective, he is warning Americans against the trend he sees in the United States of trying to adopt the political structures and policies of Europe. In a brief 224 pages, he rehearses what has made America great and unique, and why the European pan-national approach would be disastrous for both Americans and the rest of t ...more

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Jun 28, 2018 Dendi rated it really liked it

Not as good as The Road to Serfdom

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May 01, 2012 Anthony rated it really liked it

Shelves: political

Consider giving this one five stars, but this is not quite a perfect book. I would say that the most interesting things I learned where regarding Quangos (where Britain is and where he is concerned America is going). I think he is to fond of our primary system, which, in his defense, compared to Britain and its entrenched interest in the Conservative/Labor parties maybe it is better. Personally, reflecting on the recent election of the Conservatives, if the Conservative party had a primary syste ...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Manny rated it really liked it

Good book on how the U.S. is moving to represent a European style government. I have seen this author on YouTube slamming the EU. The book explains how the "Grass is NOT always greener on the other side". I am confused why if someone that enjoys that form of government does not immigrate to Europe and leave the (r)epublican form of government that made this country great, when it was great.

This book in conjunction with "James Madison: The Making of America" only show me that the fear our foundin ...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Eric Lassen rated it it was amazing

It was interesting hearing about our Founding Fathers and the benefits of Republicanism and localism from Daniel Hannan who is a member of the European Parliament. According to Hannan centralization as the EU administers it, discourages democracy and empowers the bureaucrats who are untouchable by the people, often times pursuing policies that are not popular with the people. I had never thought about the benefits of our system directly compared to theirs. I suppose I should take a comparative g ...more

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About Daniel Hannan

Daniel Hannan

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British politician, journalist, and author who is a Member of the European Parliament. He is also the Secretary-General of the Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists (AECR). Hannan advocates localism, and he has written several books arguing for democratic reform. He is also President of the Young Britons' Foundation and a patron of Reading University Conservative Association. He is a E ...more