Intelligence Squared Trump, Brexit and the Direction of 2021, with Will Davies and Matt Goodwin
Jan 8, 2021
Will Davies, a political economist and author, and Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics, dive into the seismic shifts of 2021. They debate the impact of Brexit and Biden's presidency on UK politics, exploring how these events could exacerbate existing cultural divides. The duo discusses the rise of populism, the effects of educational disparities, and the implications for US-EU relations. They offer contrasting views on Britain’s future, emphasizing the need for dialogue about national identity in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
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Trump's Shift
- Trump's actions have moved beyond traditional populism into a concerning crypto-fascist realm.
- He seems willing to incite violence and undermine democratic norms, shocking Matt Goodwin.
Roots of Distrust
- Will Davies suggests that the Republican Party's long-standing distrust of Democrats' legitimacy predates Trump.
- This, combined with Trump's showmanship and disregard for accountability, fueled the events.
Cumulative Polarization
- American political polarization is a cumulative process fueled by both the right and the left.
- This polarization, rooted in values rather than economic policy, makes finding common ground difficult.
