Giving Ventures Ep. 93 - The Defectors
Sep 9, 2025
John Papola, Founder and CEO of Emergent Order Foundation, dives into the intriguing shift of newcomers toward conservatism. He discusses how the rise of 'wokeness' and gender ideology fractured the left, prompting many moderates to reassess their political stance. The conversation explores illiberalism on both sides and the cultural focus of the new right. Papola also links economic grievances with cultural anxieties and examines the search for meaning post-new atheism, asserting that community and agency can unify diverse right-leaning factions.
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Wokeness As The Primary Trigger
- John Papola argues that 'wokeness' and illiberal leftism pushed many formerly non-conservative figures rightward.
- The cultural takeover of institutions and trans ideology were high-leverage triggers for defections.
Anti-Liberal Strains On The Right
- Papola warns that illiberal movements now appear on the right as well, often as anti-liberal or post-liberal strains.
- He highlights cultural identity and nationhood debates as central to this non-liberal right critique.
Woke As Elite Status Signaling
- Papola frames many woke positions as 'luxury beliefs' used for elite social signaling rather than mass policy.
- He suggests elite status competition drives exaggerated radicalism in institutions.
