James Kanagasooriam, a contributor to The Spectator, analyzes the global shift towards right-wing politics and its implications for Britain. Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson discusses faith, family, and the psychological depth of biblical narratives in his latest book. Consultant psychiatrist Max Pemberton raises concerns about the alarming trend of overdiagnosing ADHD, questioning societal and commercial influences in mental health. These captivating discussions delve into contemporary political and psychological issues shaping our world.
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insights INSIGHT
Thermostatic Politics
A country's values and voting behaviors shift opposite to the ruling party, called thermostatic politics.
This shift brings the country back to the center over time.
insights INSIGHT
Rapid Rightward Shift
The current rightward shift in Britain is happening faster than usual thermostatic shifts.
This accelerated change is evident in both values and voting behavior.
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Economic Nuances
The rightward shift has nuances, particularly regarding economic views.
While socially conservative, the UK remains economically left-leaning, favoring high taxes and state intervention.
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In 'We Who Wrestle with God', Dr. Peterson delves into the ancient, foundational stories of the Western world. He analyzes Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering, and triumph, such as the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, and Moses. The book explores how these stories stabilize, inspire, and unite us culturally and psychologically. It encourages readers to understand these narratives scientifically and spiritually, to become conscious of the structure of their souls and societies, and to see themselves and others in a new light.
This week: the fight for the future of the right
From Milei in Argentina to Trump in the US, Meloni in Italy to the rise of the AfD in Germany, the world appears to be turning to the right, say James Kanagasooriam and Patrick Flynn. One country, however, seems to be the exception to this rule: our own. Britain under Keir Starmer appears to be putting on a revival of the old classic Socialism in One Country. However, beyond Westminster, the data show that Britain is not moving to the left in line with its government. While the Conservatives and Reform are locked in a near-constant struggle for supremacy, polling shows that the public are moving to the right. Both parties can pitch for the socially conservative vote, but it is on the economy that Britain’s battle for the right becomes interesting. James and Patrick joined the podcast earlier this week to unpack their cover piece.
Next: Jordan Peterson on faith, family and conservatism
In the magazine this week, our editor Michael Gove interviews Canadian psychologist and commentator Professor Jordan Peterson. His latest book, We Who Wrestle with God, explores the psychological significance of Bible stories. He spoke to Michael about supernatural relationships, the folly of Conservatives and the future of Europe. You can hear an extract from that interview on the podcast, but the full interview is available on The Spectator’s YouTube channel, Spectator TV.
And finally: the dangers of over-diagnosing ADHD
‘Just a decade or so ago I rarely saw anyone in a clinic with “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”,’ writes Max Pemberton, a consultant psychiatrist, in The Spectator this week. Now, he says, he sees at least one case a day. Have all these people simply been undiagnosed for years? To what extent are we medicalising normal everyday issues, difficulties and problems? To discuss, Max joined the podcast alongside Mary Wakelfield, The Spectator’s commissioning editor, who has had her own run-in with the adult ADHD trap.
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