Fareed Zakaria on how economic and technological progress leads to revolutions
May 21, 2024
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Author and CNN TV host Fareed Zakaria discusses how economic and technological progress can lead to revolutions by causing an identity crisis and upheaval against the establishment. He connects historical revolutions to current political divisions and emphasizes the need for active participation to drive positive change for a better future.
Technological progress can lead to identity crisis and upheaval against the establishment.
Political movements reflect cultural anxieties about race, immigration, and multiculturalism.
Deep dives
Historical Analysis of Political Divisions
Throughout history, political responses to radical change have often led to nostalgia-fueled politics promising a return to a perceived 'good old days'. This theme, recurring in Western history from Horace's poems in ancient Rome to contemporary politicians, reflects a resistance to change. Fareed Zakaria's exploration discusses how historical revolutionary periods like the French Revolution parallel current political upheavals.
Economic and Cultural Shifts Triggering Backlash
The rise of political movements like the Tea Party and Trumpism signals fundamental discontent beyond economic concerns. Research reveals that cultural anxieties, particularly related to race, immigration, and multiculturalism, underpin these movements. Contrary to traditional economic predictors, approval ratings of presidents like Obama, Trump, and Biden show a decoupling of economic performance and public sentiment.
Shifting Political Landscapes: From Left-Right to Open-Closed
The traditional left-right political divide is evolving into a politics of 'open versus closed'. This new paradigm signifies ideological stances on open trade, immigration, diversity, and cultural values. Fareed Zakaria highlights the historical origins of left-right distinctions, tracing them back to the French Revolution's architectural happenstance that defined the political spectrum.
Impact of Class, Culture, and Communication on Politics
Class dynamics play a significant role in contemporary politics, with populism uniting dissatisfied groups against urban cosmopolitan elites. The intertwining of community, class, and culture shapes political identities, creating fertile ground for polarization. Furthermore, the evolution of communication channels, from centralized news to fragmented media, amplifies polarization and shapes political narratives in today's society.
You would think that times of intense progress and technological innovation are good for societies, but history shows that's when revolutions happen. Author and prominent CNN TV host Fareed Zakaria explains how rapid transformation of economy through technology often leads to an identity crisis and upheaval against the establishment. It's just too much too quickly. Sounds familiar? Yes – we in the middle of one. But Fareed Zakaria is optimistic it will all end well.
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