The Edition: the West's right turn, Michael Gove interviews Jordan Peterson & the ADHD trap
Jan 2, 2025
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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.
The podcast highlights a global shift towards conservative political ideologies, with public sentiment in the UK moving right despite a Labour government.
The discussion addresses the increasing ADHD diagnoses and the implications of 'diagnosis creep', raising concerns about the medicalization of normal behavioral issues.
Deep dives
The Shift to the Right
The podcast discusses a noticeable global trend shifting political ideologies towards the right, evident in regions from Argentina to the US. This rightward drift in values and voting behaviors often occurs as a reaction to the ruling party's policies, a phenomenon explained by the concept of thermostatic politics. The conversation highlights how in the UK, despite a Labour majority government, public opinion is moving towards conservative views on significant issues like immigration and the economy. Notably, data indicates that support for right-wing parties is increasing rapidly, raising questions about the upcoming political landscape.
Economic vs. Social Issues
A nuanced discussion unveils the complexity of public sentiment on economic and social issues in the UK, distinguishing it from a simple left-right divide. The public is shown to be increasingly skeptical of high state intervention and taxation, while simultaneously holding socially conservative views on crime and immigration. This duality indicates that while there is a slow shift towards libertarian economic policies, social conservatism remains prevalent among voters. The conversation suggests that this division could lead to significant political consequences for parties like the Conservatives and Reform, as they navigate these complex voter preferences.
The Role of Anti-Politics
The podcast explores the rising anti-politics sentiment that influences voter behavior and political dynamics across developed countries. This sense of distrust towards incumbent parties is heightened by slow economic growth and dissatisfaction with traditional political systems. Contributors discuss how technology and social media may be fueling this backlash, creating divisions and complicating public trust. The conversation indicates that this profoundly affects how new political movements and parties can capitalize on public frustrations, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape.
ADHD Over-Diagnosis Debate
A significant topic in the podcast is the apparent surge in ADHD diagnoses, with the speakers examining the factors contributing to what some experts call ‘diagnosis creep’. Practitioners have observed an increase from sporadic diagnoses to multiple cases daily, prompting questions about the medicalization of normal behavioral difficulties. The conversation examines the implications, particularly for students in private schools, where a disproportionate number are receiving ADHD accommodations compared to their state-educated peers. This discussion highlights the need for careful consideration of how societal pressures and reactions to technology might be shaping perceptions of mental health diagnoses.
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.
Presented by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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