S7 Ep1: The future of liberal democracy with Anand Menon
Jan 15, 2025
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Join Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, as he discusses the retreat of liberal democracy amidst rising nationalism. He highlights the fragility of global institutions, critiquing Europe's self-image and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Menon dives into the complexities of Brexit, emphasizing trade dynamics with the EU and shifts in voter patterns among ethnic minorities in the UK. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how social science can navigate these pressing issues in today's political landscape.
The rise of right-wing populist nationalism threatens the established liberal world order, prompting a reevaluation of international stability and norms.
Shifts in voting behavior among ethnic minorities in the UK indicate a prioritization of economic interests over traditional party affiliations, demanding political adaptation.
Deep dives
The Retreat of the Liberal World Order
The past 80 years have seen the establishment of a liberal world order characterized by free trade, managed finance, and international collaboration. However, this framework is now being challenged by the rise of right-wing populist nationalism, especially evident in movements like Make America Great Again and the election of Donald Trump. This drastic shift has prompted experts to reconsider our current era, suggesting that we might be emerging into a pre-war context rather than maintaining a post-war framework. As international stability erodes, threats in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine signal the potential for renewed global conflict, making the preservation of established international norms increasingly crucial.
The Evolving Role of International Institutions
The durability and effectiveness of post-war institutions like the European Union are under scrutiny, particularly in light of the changing geopolitical landscape. Critics highlight that many of these agreements were historically exclusive, favoring states that were able to enter the global order while leaving others behind. In addressing contemporary challenges like climate change, discussions around these institutions raise crucial questions about their relevance and the fairness of their frameworks. The growing sentiment that the EU and other organizations need significant reform reflects a broader recognition of the need to adapt to current global realities.
Changing Voting Patterns Among Ethnic Minorities
Recent analysis of voting behavior among ethnic minorities in the UK indicates a shift towards a focus on individual interests rather than traditional party affiliations based solely on race. For instance, communities like Indian Hindus and British Chinese are increasingly supporting the Conservative party due to perceived economic benefits, diverging from their historical alignment with Labour. This evolving dynamic suggests a growing tendency among voters to prioritize candidates that address their economic needs over established loyalty to specific parties. The significant impact of these trends emphasizes the need for political parties to actively engage and address the interests of all voters, as the landscape becomes more unpredictable.
It's now 80 years since the end of the Second World War and the creation of the liberal world order: free trade, globally managed finance, and a commitment to liberal democracy. But these ideas seems to be in retreat with the re-election of Donald Trump, and the accompanying dramatic increase of right-wing populist nationalism almost everywhere, including Europe. Can liberal democracy survive?
With us to discuss this and more is political scientist Professor Anand Menon, the director of the UK in a Changing Europe. He is a dedicated social scientist, an approach that defines the think tank he leads, that provides impartial evidence-based analysis and commentary across the gamut of issues that we face at home and abroad.
Season 7 of the We Society Podcast from the Academy of Social Sciences continues to tackle the big questions through a social science lens. Throughout this series, you'll be hearing some of the best ideas to shape the way we live.
Hosted by journalist and Academy President Will Hutton, we interview some of Britain’s top social scientists and public figures from across the globe to explore their evidence-led solutions to society’s most pressing problems.
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This is the first episode of Season 7, and there will be episodes released every week so be sure to subscribe and rate the podcast.