Whose philosophy states that the national public interest requires proactive and assertive measures?

The philosophy attributed to Herbert Croly emphasizes the idea that the national public interest is best served through proactive and assertive governmental measures. Croly believed that a strong, interventionist government is necessary to address the complex social and economic issues facing society. He argued against laissez-faire policies and advocated for government intervention to promote the welfare of the public and achieve social equity.

Croly's ideas were significant during the Progressive Era, as they informed the development of policies that sought to balance individual rights with societal needs. His perspective laid the groundwork for later thoughts on the role of government in managing both the economy and social issues, aligning closely with the practices that would be enacted in the following decades.

This focus on the national public interest through government action distinguishes Croly's philosophy from others. While figures like John Rawls concentrated on ideas of justice and fairness in social structures and Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt incorporated elements of proactive governance, Croly’s framework specifically underlines the necessity of assertive measures to achieve a collective good.