Ainslie Johnstone

Ainslie Johnstone, a data journalist at The Economist, and Sacha Nauta, the social affairs editor, explore the intriguing phenomenon of 'peak woke.' They discuss how wokeness, which thrived from 2015 to 2021, is now in decline, influenced by shifting public sentiment and backlash against radical ideas. The guests delve into generational perceptions of wokeness, its implications for institutional diversity, and its impact on the upcoming 2024 election. They also touch on the rise of the anti-woke movement and the evolving political messaging within the Democratic Party.

Ainslie Johnstone and Sacha Nauta from The Economist, along with Professor Musa al-Gharbi, delve into the decline of wokeness in America. They discuss how societal attitudes towards issues like race and privilege have shifted, marking a significant change from peak wokeness in 2021-22. The conversation analyzes the rise of anti-woke sentiments and their implications for future political dynamics. They also reflect on the historical context of social movements, emphasizing the importance of free speech in today’s polarized climate.