American Thought Leaders How Multiculturalism and Post-Nationalism Failed the West: John O’Sullivan
Feb 14, 2025
In this conversation, John O’Sullivan, a former policy advisor to Margaret Thatcher and current president of the Danube Institute, discusses the critical role of a unified national identity in democracy. He argues that multiculturalism can lead to hostile identity politics, alienating communities. O’Sullivan also critiques post-nationalism as an unattainable goal for states, emphasizing the political shifts in urban America and the rise of populism. His insights reveal the challenges facing societies and the need for honest discourse in overcoming them.
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National Identity and Democracy
- A unified national identity is essential for successful democracies.
- Multiculturalism leads to aggressive identity politics and societal division.
Post-Nationalism and Empires
- Post-nationalism is unachievable for states; they transform into something else, like empires.
- Empires, with diverse nationalities, tend towards internal conflict.
O'Sullivan's Background
- John O'Sullivan's career began in England, influenced by post-WWII patriotism.
- He worked as a journalist, speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher, and at Heritage Foundation.
