Intelligence Squared Rory Stewart on Trump, Nationalism and The Value of Rural Life (Part One)
25 snips
Dec 10, 2025 
Rory Stewart, a former British MP and author of 'Middleland: Dispatches from the Borders', shares insightful reflections on the disconnect between rural and urban politics. He discusses Cumbria's historical significance and its misunderstood identity within Britain. Stewart critiques Westminster's ignorance towards rural needs, emphasizing the importance of fair representation and acknowledging hidden economies. He advocates for electoral reform to counter the risks posed by first-past-the-post politics, all while navigating the complexities of local vs. national priorities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A Forgotten Kingdom Shapes Britain
- Cumbria represents a distinct, older cultural region that predates modern English identity and influences British imagination.
- Rory Stewart argues this 'Middleland' shaped Romanticism and retains deep rootedness through small family farms.
An Ancient Predecessor To Modern MPs
- Rory Stewart recounts the Roman-era tombstone of a local 'senator and quaestor' as a symbolic predecessor to modern MPs.
- He uses the story to highlight continuity of local representation and the frustration of distant laws.
Borders Blur National Narratives
- The English-Scottish border region blurs neat national identities and challenges textbook narratives of England.
- Stewart says recognizing these border identities changes how we understand British history and culture.
