Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at Hope Not Hate, sheds light on the alarming rise of far-right movements in Britain, especially among the youth, as detailed in the 'State of Hate 2025' report. Dmitry Grozoubinski, a trade policy expert, discusses the chaos stemming from recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. and their potential global impact. The conversation also teases the challenges of navigating a post-woke political landscape, raising questions about its true implications and the shifting perceptions toward multiculturalism.
The proposed tariffs by Trump signal a dramatic shift in global trade, raising concerns over economic instability and inflation.
The rise of far-right ideologies illustrates both a growing public support and the potential challenges posed by their global interconnectedness.
The Democratic Party faces an urgent need to address local economic concerns to rebuild trust among voters disillusioned by traditional narratives.
Deep dives
The Post-Woke Debate
The concept of a post-woke world has gained traction, suggesting a shift away from the progressive ideologies associated with wokeness. This term often remains ambiguous, with varying interpretations across the political spectrum. For some, it indicates an awareness and sensitivity towards social issues, while others view it as an excessive ideological stance. The discussions around wokeness highlight a fragmentation in political dialogue, with varying levels of acceptance and resistance depending on public opinion and political affiliation.
Impact of Trump's Tariffs
Recent announcements regarding tariffs by Donald Trump have caused significant concern regarding their potential impact on the global economy. The proposed tariffs could reach up to 54% for imports from China and 20% for those from the EU, with 10% set for the UK. This shift signals a dramatic departure from the established norms of global trade and trade relations, with possible retaliatory actions from affected countries. The expectation of increased inflation and market instability raises questions about the long-term repercussions of such aggressive tariff policies.
The Rise of Far-Right Ideologies
Recent reports illustrate a concerning trend of increasing normalcy and appeal of far-right ideologies across various population segments. Incidents of violence and demonstrations have illustrated how far-right groups feel emboldened, displaying significant public support evidenced by rising electoral votes. The complexity of these movements is amplified by their ability to connect online, sharing tactics and narratives globally. This interconnectedness presents a more formidable challenge than past far-right movements faced, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to counteract their influence.
Democratic Response to Populism
The response of the Democratic Party to the rise of populism and far-right movements has evolved, with debates around their political strategy intensifying. As centrists within the party grapple with how to engage with issues like wokeness and social liberalism, it is evident that a cohesive strategy is essential. The challenge lies in navigating public sentiment, which increasingly favors alternative narratives that reject traditional party stances. Addressing local concerns and economic anxieties may prove crucial for the party to regain trust and support among disenfranchised voters.
Political Funding and Influence
The influence of wealthy individuals on the political landscape has prompted discussions around campaign finance reform, particularly in light of recent election outcomes. Figures like Elon Musk have shown how substantial financial investments can sway elections, raising ethical concerns about the integrity of democratic processes. The sheer volume of money involved in political donations, especially from non-traditional sources, underscores the complex relationship between wealth and political influence. Moving forward, the potential for reevaluating rules regarding political donations might be necessary to protect democracy from overt financial manipulation.
Trump is upending the world once again. We go on a whistlestop tour of tariffs, woke and the far-right in our latest show.
First up, trade policy expert Dmitry Grozoubinski joins Andrew Harrison to explain why chaos is inevitable, following the new tariffs. Then into the main bulk of the episode, dinner time’s over for the tofu-eating wokerati… apparently. Some say the dawn of the post-woke world is upon us, but is it really? And what does that even mean? Also, what’s the state of hate in the UK? Luckily, Hope Not Hate has compiled a 140-page report detailing precisely that – and their Director of Research, Joe Mulhall, joins us in the studio to get into what’s in it. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, after more than two centuries WH Smith leaves the high street. Is anyone surprised? But is the high street really dying or is it just changing?
Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones Audio production by: Tom Taylor and Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.
