

#1912
Mentioned in 13 episodes
The Identity Trap
A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time
Book • 2023
In The Identity Trap, Yascha Mounk provides a detailed analysis of the intellectual origins of 'wokeness' or 'identity synthesis,' tracing how postmodernism, postcolonialism, and critical race theory influenced this ideology.
He explains how these ideas, once marginal, gained significant influence in business, media, and government by 2020.
Mounk argues that the application of these ideas to areas such as education and public policy is counterproductive and that universal, humanist values are more effective in achieving true equality.
The book offers a balanced and analytical perspective on the appeal and limitations of identity-based politics, proposing an alternative rooted in liberal democracy's highest ideals.
He explains how these ideas, once marginal, gained significant influence in business, media, and government by 2020.
Mounk argues that the application of these ideas to areas such as education and public policy is counterproductive and that universal, humanist values are more effective in achieving true equality.
The book offers a balanced and analytical perspective on the appeal and limitations of identity-based politics, proposing an alternative rooted in liberal democracy's highest ideals.
Mentioned by


















Mentioned in 13 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring problems with identity politics.


Michael Hobbs

95 snips
The Identity Trap
Mentioned by 

as Mounk's most recent book, discussing identity politics and related topics.


Sam Harris

69 snips
#336 — The Roots of Identity Politics
Mentioned by 

in the discussion about liberalism and identitarianism.


Eric Kaufmann

65 snips
Eric Kaufmann on “The Third Awokening”
Mentioned by 

as a book investigating the changing cultural trends of the American left.


Bari Weiss

59 snips
The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism: Christopher Rufo and Yascha Mounk Debate
Mentioned by 

as a book he wrote about the identity synthesis, and that it would be a serious intellectual debate for 20, 25 years.


Yascha Mounk

21 snips
Jesse Singal on Crises in Politics and Social Science
Mentioned by 

as a book in which he wrote about standpoint theory.


Yascha Mounk

16 snips
Dan Williams on Misinformation
Mentioned by 

as one of Yasha Mounk's books.


Razib Khan

Yascha Mounk: American democracy in 2024
Mentioned by 

as his latest book, discussing the rise of a new ideology.


Yascha Mounk

Johns Hopkins professor: Identity politics—and why I think it spells trouble | Yascha Mounk
Mentioned by 

while discussing debates around identity politics and systemic issues within US institutions.


Yascha Mounk

Aaron Sibarium on Identity Politics under Joe Biden and Donald Trump
Mentioned by Faye Adobita as the topic of discussion in the podcast.

The Identity Trap of Modern Politics
Mentioned by 

as a book that deconstructs identity politics.


James Carville

James Carville Says Wokeness “Is Over,” 2024 Will Be “Dangerous”—and Much More from the Democratic Political Icon
Mentioned by 

at the end of the podcast.


Ben Shapiro

Ep. 1809 - The “No Evidence” Lie
Mentioned by 

as the source of his discussion on free speech.


Yascha Mounk

Mailbag #1: Is America Headed for Civil War?
Mentioned by 

as Mounk's book exploring the philosophies that led to "woke" ideology.


Winston Marshall

Yascha Mounk - The Populism Debate: Is It The Answer or The End of Democracy?