Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the complexities of modern political identity and the rise of illiberalism on the right. He discusses the irony of wokeness morphing within conservative spaces and the psychological impacts of supporting controversial figures. With the upcoming book, "Summer of Our Discontent," he reflects on generational values, societal fragmentation, and the pressing need for discourse amidst today's political extremes.
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insights INSIGHT
Cancel Culture Across the Spectrum
America has a cancel culture problem from both the left and the right.
They manifest differently, but the underlying human tribalism is the same.
insights INSIGHT
The Shrinking Center
Few consistently call out illiberalism within their own political tribe.
Many who decried restrictions on speech readily use those tactics when convenient.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Gen X and Identity Politics
Jonah Goldberg describes how Gen Xers in the 90s used their youth as an identity politics category for career advancement.
They claimed to understand the youth and leveraged boomer anxieties about demographics.
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How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics Is Destroying American Democracy
Jonah Goldberg
In 'Suicide of the West,' Jonah Goldberg argues that the principles of liberal democracy and capitalism, which he terms 'the Miracle,' are under threat from various forms of illiberalism. He contends that the West's prosperity and political stability are not inevitable but rather the result of unique historical and philosophical developments. Goldberg warns that complacency and the erosion of these principles due to partisanship, polarization, and identity politics could lead to democratic decline. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the achievements of Western civilization and the need to rediscover and uphold its founding ideals to prevent its downfall.
The Closing of the American Mind
Allan Bloom
We Have Never Been Woke
The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite
Musa al-Gharbi
In this book, Musa al-Gharbi argues that despite the rise of a new elite who identify as allies of progressive causes such as antiracism, feminism, and LGBTQ rights, social and economic inequalities have continued to grow. These symbolic capitalists, who work primarily with words, ideas, images, and data, genuinely believe in egalitarian principles but inadvertently contribute to and perpetuate the very inequalities they oppose. The book examines how their actions and narratives often provoke backlash against the social justice causes they champion and argues that challenging these self-serving narratives is crucial for addressing social and economic inequality effectively.
Doppelganger
A Trip into the Mirror World
Naomi Klein
It’s fan-favorite week at Casa de Remnant.Jonah Goldberg is joined by Thomas Chatterton Williams, staff writer at The Atlantic and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss illiberalism on the right, dole out some sympathy for the most ardent defenders of wokeness, and dig into Thomas’ upcoming book, Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse.
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.
The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg 
