Theory of Change Podcast With Matthew Sheffield

Liberalism’s epistemic crisis enabled Donald Trump’s victories

Feb 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Matthew McManus, a political science lecturer at the University of Michigan and author of 'The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism,' dives into the philosophical crisis plaguing liberalism. He argues that the rise of right-wing parties, often mischaracterized as populist, stems from the failures of liberalism to combat reactionary ideologies. McManus also examines the historical perspectives of thinkers like Thomas Paine and critiques the disconnect in progressive activism, advocating for a revitalized, community-oriented approach to address economic inequality and racial justice.
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