Theory of Change Podcast With Matthew Sheffield cover image

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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Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Donald Trump's victory signifies a troubling global trend of right-wing reactionary parties misleadingly presenting themselves as populist movements despite harming their own voters.
  • The crisis of liberalism and socialism has created a disconnect between political ideologies and the populace's needs, hindering effective counteraction against reactionary thought.

Deep dives

Rise of Right-Wing Reactionary Parties

The recent victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election signifies a broader trend of right-wing reactionary parties gaining power across the globe. These parties often disguise themselves as populist movements but primarily pursue policies that disadvantage their own voters. This phenomenon arises as center-left ideologies grapple with a philosophical crisis within liberalism, which has historically struggled to counter reactionary thought. Ultimately, this struggle has resulted in a deepening disconnect between political ideologies and the needs of the populace.

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