The Current Thing

What the Right Gets Wrong - Academic Agent

25 snips
Nov 3, 2025
Dr. Neema Parvini, known as Academic Agent, is a commentator and academic focused on critiquing right-wing ideologies. In this lively discussion, he tackles pressing issues like the pitfalls of nationalism and the myth of the free market. Neema argues that declining birth rates could have positive implications and shares his disillusionment with figures like Trump and Reform UK. He also reflects on the intersection of social conservatism with leftist economics, highlighting how global competition shapes immigration policies and the impact of foreign influence on British nationalism.
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INSIGHT

From Rebel Energy To Regime Cheerleading

  • Dr Neema Parvini moved from online-right enthusiasm to sceptical centre-left because the movement ossified into cheerleading for rulers.
  • He argues Trump became co-opted by elite interests, showing activist movements can be absorbed by the regime.
ANECDOTE

Rhinoceros Metaphor For Movement Change

  • Parvini likens the online-right's transformation to Ionesco's Rhinoceros, with friends turning into unquestioning mobs.
  • He uses this to explain his disillusionment and distancing from that scene.
ADVICE

Focus Above The Culture-War Slop

  • Rise above culture-war 'slop' and focus on structural issues like digital ID and sovereignty.
  • Prioritise policies that tackle deep institutional power rather than ephemeral media battles.
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