261: Matthew Goodwin: The revolt against the New Elite
Dec 21, 2023
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Matthew Goodwin, political scientist and author of Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics, discusses the death of the Conservative Party, the crisis of integration, and the populist revolt fueled by Net Zero. They also explore the impact of mass immigration on British society, the rise of national populism, and the appeal of this movement to the younger generation. Finally, they predict and desire a Labor win in the 2024 General Election.
The Conservative Party is facing a crisis of renewal and is predicted to face defeat in the next general election.
The Reform Party represents a revolt against pro-immigration, London-centric, and woke ideology of the political class.
Concerns over immigration and woke ideology are fueling a revolt against the elite consensus, leading to the rise of national populism in Europe.
Deep dives
Failure of the political class to respond to post-Brexit realignment
The Conservative Party has failed to renew philosophically, ideologically, and electorally. It is predicted to face defeat in the next general election and will likely be plunged into a serious civil war over conservatism.
Emergence of a new rebel movement on the right
The Reform Party is gaining traction, averaging around 10% in recent polls. It represents a revolt against the pro-immigration, London-centric, and woke ideology of the political class. Apathy among cultural conservatives toward the political system is also growing.
The consequences of mass immigration and multiculturalism
Mass immigration is seen as a consequential decision that undermines the economy, housing, and cultural cohesion. It allows cheap migrant labor, inflates the housing crisis, and erodes the shared history and identity of the majority. Concerns over immigration and woke ideology are fueling a revolt against the elite consensus.
Rise and Consolidation of National Populism
National populism, which emerged with Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump, has not only consolidated but continues to grow across Europe. Populist movements like Vlaams Belang in Belgium, Sweden Democrats, and Vox in Spain are gaining significant traction, with success in regional parliaments and strong polling numbers. The concerns over immigration and the refugee crisis remain unresolved and are fueling the rise of national populism. Contrary to popular belief, national populists are attracting a diverse range of voters, including young millennials and Gen Z, who feel that their rights and positions in society are being eroded.
The Radicalization of Institutions and Public Attitudes
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has highlighted concerning attitudes and radicalization among young people. Polls indicate that a significant portion of 18 to 24-year-olds sympathize with Hamas and view Jews as an oppressive class. This reveals a deep-rooted problem within universities and elite institutions, which have become increasingly dominated by left-wing academics and administrators, promoting divisive identity politics and illiberal ideologies. The alliance between younger generations influenced by this ideology and radical Islamists is a cause for alarm, as it poses a threat to liberal representative democracy. The need to address these issues and restore national identity becomes crucial.
Matthew Goodwin – political scientist and author of Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics – returned to The Brendan O’Neill Show for this live, end-of-year special. Brendan and Matthew discussed the death of the Conservative Party, the crisis of integration and why Net Zero is fuelling the populist revolt.
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If you donate £50 or more to spiked’s Christmas appeal, we’ll send you a signed copy of Brendan’s book, A Heretic’s Manifesto. Find out more: https://www.spiked-online.com/signedbook/