Intelligence Squared John Gray on the US Election and a World After Liberalism, Part Two
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Nov 8, 2024 
John Gray, a renowned philosopher critiquing liberalism, teams up with Helen Thompson, a Cambridge political economy professor and author of 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century.' They delve into the shift from liberalism to populism and authoritarianism, sparked by significant political events like Trump's potential re-election. The discussion touches on the historical evolution of American politics, societal divisions, and the dangers of misinformation, all while pondering the future in a world increasingly wary of hyper-liberalism.
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Messianic to Apocalyptic Politics
- American politics has become a contest about meaning, with apocalyptic undertones.
- This shift is evident in the transition from Obama's messianic campaign to Trump's focus on "American carnage."
America's Utopian Myth
- America, like Russia, was founded on a utopian vision, aiming to create a new history separate from Europe's past.
- This vision, however, has been falsified by America's history of racism, civil war, and unjust wars.
Escalating Division and Violence
- The 2024 election will likely worsen political divisions, increasing the risk of violence due to a heavily armed populace.
- A long period of civil disorder or semi-anarchy is possible in some areas.
