UnHerd with Freddie Sayers Claire Lehmann: The threat to free speech from the Right
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Mar 27, 2025 
Claire Lehmann, founder and editor of Quillette, dives into the shifting landscape of free speech amid rising right-wing populism. She discusses how both extremes of the political spectrum suppress opposing views and highlights the complexities of maintaining editorial integrity. The conversation also touches on illiberalism in academia, the impact of social media on discourse, and the nuances of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Lehmann underscores the importance of courage in expressing controversial beliefs in today’s polarized environment.
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Political Skew in Academia
- Claire Lehmann noticed a liberal skew in psychology, her field of study.
- This lack of ideological diversity led to faulty research and scholarship.
Similar Mob-Like Behavior on Both Sides
- Lehmann observes similar mob-like behavior on both the right and left, especially on social media.
- This behavior includes seeking ideological purity and suppressing dissent.
Elon Musk's Actions Deemed Corrupt
- Lehmann admires Elon Musk's entrepreneurial achievements but views his recent behavior as problematic.
- Musk's leveraging of wealth for political influence and holding a government position while being CEO of subsidized companies is deemed corrupt.
