The Gist From Model to Mayhem With Michael Moynihan
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Jan 29, 2025 
Michael Moynihan, a journalist and Sweden expert, discusses the alarming rise of far-right politics and gang violence in Sweden, a country once hailed for its social democracy. He shares firsthand accounts of cultural tensions stemming from immigration and the challenges faced in navigating identity as a journalist there. Moynihan also delves into the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action, tying it to shifting demographics in higher education, all while exploring the broader societal impact of these changes.
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Accidental Ambassador
- Michael Moynihan became an accidental ambassador for the U.S. during his time in Sweden after 9-11.
- He found himself constantly defending U.S. foreign policy at dinner parties, leading him to a more nationalistic stance.
Learning Swedish
- Moynihan learned Swedish by listening to the radio and watching TV with subtitles, as dubbing isn't common.
- His Swedish sounded like a radio announcer, and Swedes often switched to English when he made mistakes, hindering his learning process.
Swedish Economic History
- Sweden's economic downturns often coincided with periods where the Social Democrats were in power and overreached.
- The country's economic recoveries were often linked to conservative governments, despite their moderate nature.