CNN host and author Fareed Zakaria discusses societal change, technological progress, and managing backlash in his book 'Age of Revolutions'. Topics include political identity shifts, global ideological clashes, US-China relations, and India's strategic alliances in a changing world.
Progress brings benefits like advancements in rights, but challenges power structures face resistance.
In history, revolutions scramble politics requiring a balanced approach to manage disruptive change effectively.
Deep dives
Impact of Rapid Change on Societies
In the podcast, Fareed Zakaria's new book 'Age of Revolutions' explores how rapid change in history leads to progress and backlash in societies. As societies face immense technological progress, globalization, and freedom, there is a struggle to navigate advancements and resistances innovatively. Zakaria emphasizes that while progress brings benefits like advancements in gay and women's rights, challenging power structures often meets resistance.
Historical Lessons from the Dutch in the 1600s
Zakaria delves into history, starting with the Dutch in the 17th century, who were pioneers in modernizing economics, technology, and politics. The Dutch's innovations in land and water management, navigation, and governance marked a shift towards modern globalization. These changes led to an identity revolution, where they identified as Protestants and Dutch rather than part of Christian Europe, accompanied by political factions and a form of nationalism.
Lessons from the Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution marked a significant shift in human productivity, leading to new forms of energy usage and massive societal transformation. Political dynamics shifted as conservatives adapted to the industrial elite, and liberals embraced working-class concerns. Zakaria highlights how structural revolutions scramble politics, emphasizing the need to navigate identity revolutions and potential backlash cautiously.
Challenges and Navigating Through Progress
Zakaria discusses the necessity of balancing progress with incrementalism to manage disruptive change effectively. Drawing parallels to historical revolutions, he underscores the importance of addressing distributional issues and societal disruptions. By advocating for a gradual, inclusive approach to change, Zakaria suggests a nuanced process to advance progress while respecting existing societal structures and individual perspectives.
Does progress always come with a backlash? How should societies think about managing the immense changes unleashed by technology and globalization? CNN host and author Fareed Zakaria joins FP Live to discuss his latest book, Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash From 1600 to the Present.