Intelligence Squared How to Make Democracy Work for Everyone, with Yascha Mounk
May 13, 2022
Yascha Mounk, an expert in populism and liberal democracies, discusses the challenges of making diverse societies thrive. He explores how identity politics and group loyalty can complicate democratic cohesion, drawing from historical and contemporary examples. Mounk highlights the dual role of social media in either fostering inclusivity or spreading misinformation. He also emphasizes the need for nuanced discussions on demographic changes and the importance of empathy across communities to navigate today's complex political landscape.
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Misinterpreted Experiment
- Yascha Mounk's use of the word "experiment" in a German interview was misinterpreted by far-right groups.
- They falsely claimed he admitted to a conspiracy to replace the German people, highlighting the sensitivity around diversity.
Teufel's Dot Experiment
- Henry Teufel's experiment showed that even arbitrary group assignments lead to in-group bias.
- School children quickly discriminated based on over/underestimation of dots, proving groupishness is easily triggered.
Chawas and Tumbukas
- The Chawas and Tumbukas are rival tribes in Malawi but allies in Zambia.
- This difference stems from political structures and competition for resources, highlighting the impact of context on intergroup relations.
