The New Ruling Class | Matthew Goodwin

Summary

The transcript discusses the disconnect between the new elite and the national identity in Britain, America, and Australia. It highlights how the modern elite gains status by disparaging national communities, embracing progressivism, and redefining national identity around themes of diversity and multiculturalism, which contrasts with the pride many citizens feel for their unique cultural heritage. This tension is fueling the rise of populist politicians who resonate with the public's frustration with the perceived erosion of traditional values by a distant elite.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The script discusses the disconnect between the elites and the general public in countries like Britain, Australia, and America, particularly regarding national identity and pride.
• 🤔 It raises the question of whether nationalism is always seen as a negative concept, often associated with racism, bigotry, and being stuck in the past.
• 🌟 The speaker mentions Daniel Bell's work, highlighting the emergence of a 'new adversary class' where elites gain status by denigrating their national community.
• 📚 The script refers to other scholars like Christopher Lasch and David Goodhart, who have explored the cultural and societal shifts affecting the perception of national identity.
• 🔄 The old elite derived status from wealth and titles, while the new elite gains status by embracing progressivism and criticizing traditional national identities.
• 🏙️ The new elite is described as redefining Britishness and Englishness around concepts of diversity, universal liberalism, and multiculturalism, aligning with their international values.
• 🚫 There's a noted 'asymmetrical multiculturalism' where the new elite can celebrate all identities except their own, showing skepticism or hostility towards traditional British or English identities.
• 🌐 The script suggests that globalization and a distant elite are eroding traditional identities, causing frustration among many citizens who take pride in their unique culture and history.
• 🗳️ The rise of populist politicians is attributed to their ability to tap into the public's frustration with the new ruling class and their perceived undermining of national identity.
• 📈 The script implies a cultural and political divide between those who value traditional national identities and those elites who prioritize internationalism and progressive values.
• 💡 It concludes by suggesting that the redefinition of national identity by the new elite is not universally accepted and is a source of ongoing tension and debate.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised in the transcript about the perception of nationalism by the elites?

The main concern is that the elites, particularly in Britain, Australia, and America, do not believe in or respect the national identity and culture of their respective countries, often denigrating it to gain status among their peers.

What does the speaker suggest about the difference between the old and new elites?

The old elites were economically disconnected but culturally and institutionally supportive of their nation, whereas the new elites derive their status by embracing radical progressivism and critiquing their own nation's identity, history, and culture.

How does the speaker describe the new elite's approach to national identity?

The new elite repackages national identity around notions of diversity, universal liberalism, and multiculturalism, while simultaneously being skeptical or hostile towards the traditional aspects of their own national identity.

What term does the speaker use to describe the new elite's multiculturalism?

The speaker refers to it as 'asymmetrical multiculturalism,' where every identity and culture except their own is celebrated.

What does the speaker suggest is the impact of the new elite's attitude on the general population?

The speaker suggests that the new elite's attitude leaves many people feeling that their national identity and cultural values are not being taken seriously, leading to a sense of frustration and support for populist politicians.

Who are some of the academics mentioned in the transcript whose work is relevant to the discussion?

Daniel Bell, Christopher Lasch, David Goodhart, and David Brooks are mentioned as academics whose work is relevant to the discussion on the changing nature of the elite.

What book by Daniel Bell is referenced in the transcript?

The book referenced is 'The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism,' written in the early 1970s.

What concept did Daniel Bell introduce in his book that is relevant to the discussion?

Daniel Bell introduced the concept of a 'new adversary class,' which refers to the changing nature of the elite and how they gain status by denigrating the national community.

What does the speaker mean by 'repackaging Britishness and Englishness'?

The speaker means that the new elite is redefining what it means to be British or English by focusing on diversity, liberalism, and multiculturalism, rather than traditional cultural and historical aspects.

How does the speaker describe the old left's view on nationalism?

The old left, including figures like Clement Attlee and Tony Benn, are described as being nationalists in their speeches, emphasizing the importance of Britain's history and the need to maintain its independence from Europe.

What is the term used by Henry Fairlie to describe the old boys' club in Britain?

The term used by Henry Fairlie is 'The Establishment.'

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Disbelief in Nationalism Among Elites

The speaker discusses the skepticism towards nationalism among the elites in Britain, Australia, and America. They ponder whether nationalism can be a positive force or if it's always seen as a negative concept. The elites are criticized for not valuing national identity and instead seeking status by demeaning their own national communities. The speaker references the work of Daniel Bell, who identified a 'new adversary class' in the 1970s, and suggests that today's elites are different from the old elites who, despite being economically disconnected, still respected and supported national institutions. The new elites, in contrast, gain status by promoting radical progressivism and redefining national identity around themes of diversity and universal liberalism, which alienates many who feel a strong attachment to their country's traditional identity.

05:00

🗳️ The Rise of Populist Politicians Amid Elite Discontent

This paragraph highlights the strength of populist politicians who capitalize on the public's growing frustration with the new ruling class. The speaker suggests that the disconnect between the elite's internationalist values and the populace's desire for a strong national identity has led to a surge in support for politicians who challenge the status quo. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of national identity and the resistance against globalization and a perceived erosion of cultural values by those who feel disconnected from the elite's vision for their country.

Keywords

💡Nationalism

Nationalism refers to the sentiment of loyalty and devotion to one's nation, often associated with a belief in the importance of a shared culture, history, and identity. In the video's context, it is presented as a concept that is being questioned by the elites, who may view it as a 'dirty word' linked to racism and bigotry. However, the speaker argues that nationalism can be a source of pride and cultural continuity, as evidenced by the old elite's respect for national institutions and traditions.

💡Elites

The term 'elites' in this script denotes a group of people who hold a significant amount of power, influence, or status in society. The speaker discusses how the new elite differs from the old elite, with the new elite gaining status by embracing progressivism and critiquing traditional national identity, while the old elite derived their status from wealth and titles but still respected national institutions.

💡Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism

This phrase refers to a book by Daniel Bell, which the speaker mentions in the context of the rise of a new adversary class. The book discusses the inherent conflicts between the cultural and economic values of capitalist societies. In the script, it is used to illustrate how the elites' status is increasingly derived from denigrating the national community, which is a shift from the traditional values upheld by the old elite.

💡Adversary Class

The 'adversary class' is a term used by Daniel Bell to describe a group that gains status by opposing the mainstream values of society. In the video, this concept is applied to the new elite who achieve status by criticizing and undermining traditional national identity and culture, in contrast to the old elite who were proud members of the national community.

💡Progressivism

Progressivism is a political philosophy that supports social reform and the improvement of society through changes in political, economic, and social institutions. In the video, the new elite are described as embracing radical progressivism, which involves critiquing and dismissing traditional values, including national identity, history, and culture.

💡Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society, often celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity. The speaker discusses how the new elite repackage Britishness and Englishness around notions of diversity and universal liberalism, which is a form of multiculturalism that redefines national identity in an international context.

💡Asymmetrical Multiculturalism

Asymmetrical multiculturalism, as mentioned in the script, refers to a situation where the celebration of every identity and culture is encouraged except for one's own. This concept is used to describe the new elite's approach to national identity, where they are skeptical or hostile towards their own national culture while celebrating others.

💡Globalization

Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, which has cultural, economic, and political dimensions. In the script, globalization is presented as a force that is eroding distinctive national identities, cultures, and ways of life, leading to a sense of frustration among many people.

💡Populism

Populism is a political approach that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. The speaker mentions populist politicians as figures who tap into the growing frustration with the new ruling class, reflecting a desire for a return to traditional values and national identity.

💡Identity

Identity in this context refers to the distinct characteristics that define a person or group, including cultural, historical, and social aspects. The script discusses how the new elite are redefining national identities around universal themes, which some people find difficult to accept because it seems to deny the unique identity of their own nation.

💡Distant Elite

The 'distant elite' refers to a group of influential people who are perceived as being out of touch with the concerns and values of the general population. In the video, this term is used to describe the new elite who are critiquing and undermining traditional national identity, causing a sense of alienation among many citizens.

Highlights

The elites in Britain, Australia, and America are often perceived as not believing in the value of their own nations.

Nationalism is a contentious topic, with some viewing it as a 'dirty word' associated with racism and bigotry.

There is a contrast between those who live in a country and have a deep attachment to it versus those who denigrate it for status.

Daniel Bell's work from the 1970s identified a new adversary class of elites who gain status by criticizing their own national community.

The old elite in Britain were economically disconnected but still respected and supported national institutions.

The new elite derives status by embracing radical progressivism and dismissing national identity, history, and culture.

Academics have noted the rise of asymmetrical multiculturalism, where all cultures are celebrated except one's own.

The new elite repackages Britishness and Englishness around themes of diversity and universal liberalism.

Many people feel their national identity is being eroded by globalization and a distant elite.

Populist politicians gain strength by tapping into the frustration with the new ruling class and their disregard for traditional national values.

The old left socialists, despite their political stance, were considered nationalists in their views on empire and British history.

The new elite's redefinition of national identity is not resonating with many who are proud of their distinct culture and history.

The concept of national identity is being challenged by an elite that promotes international themes over traditional values.

There is a growing sense of frustration among the public with the new ruling class, which is driving support for populist movements.

The elite's disdain for national communities is leaving many feeling unvalued and underrepresented.

The rise of the new elite is marked by a shift from traditional values to a more global and progressive stance.

Transcripts

the elites don't believe

in Britain in my case they don't believe

in Australia or in America they don't

believe in America they don't believe in

the west but my more pointed issue here

is they don't believe in Britain uh

where many Britain want to believe in

Britain it raises the question doesn't

it of nationalism and is there a place

for a sound uh

nationalism or is it always a dirty word

because they you know one group would

have you believe it's a dirty word uh

and and and only racists and

narrow-minded bigots and people who are

locked in the past and have never

explored the world could believe in

Britain strike Australia strike America

whatever um whereas people who live in

those places often have a deep

attachment to Country and can see that

it can be

valuable well I think there's a lot of

Truth to that I've just been

revisiting uh some of the work of Daniel

Bell uh very prominent American academic

who who wrote a number of great books in

the postwar period and and one of those

was was the cultural contradictions of

capitalis capitalism in the early

1970s and and what bell pointed out even

then was the rise of what he called a

new adversary class uh

essentially the way in which the elite

were changing and he noticed that they

were deriving their status increasingly

not by being proud members of the

national Community but but essentially

by disparaging and denigrating the

national community in order to win

status and esteem and honor from other

members of the elite and this really was

the foundation of much of the work that

followed think about the work of

Christopher lash in the US in the early

1990s think about the work of David

goodart his discussion of anywh and

someways you think about David Brooks

his discussion of the Bourgeois

Bohemians and I think what's happened

today you know lots of people ask me

what's the difference between the new

Elite and the old Elite well one of the

key differences I think is that the old

Elite in Britain the old money Tory

elite were always disconnected from the

rest of the country they were

economically disconnected um they were

insula I mean there was a an old boys

club Henry fairly the journalist first

term used the term The Establishment in

1955 um but when it came to culture when

it came to the nation when it came to

institutions um they respected them and

they supported them uh and that included

the old left by the way it included The

Clement Atley it included the Peter

shaes it included the Tony Ben you know

the old left socialists were were we we

would go back now and read their

speeches and consider them to be

nationalists in the way that they talked

about Empire in the way that they talked

about the need for Britain to avoid

integration with Europe the defense of a

thousand years of history and uh a long

uh tradition of continuity in our

democracy um what's what's happened

today however is where as the old Elite

derived their status more from money and

property and titles the new Elite

increasingly derived their status by

embracing radical progressivism by uh

critiquing um dismissing

undermining uh laughing at the nation at

identity at history at culture and

they're simultaneously doing that while

repackaging britishness and englishness

around these Notions of um diversity of

universal liberalism of multiculturalism

so they're redefining the national

project around an international thee

which chimes with their values um at the

same time denigrating that National

Community which is leaving many people

who do view that as a critical source of

of status and esteem feeling uh as

though they're not being taken uh

seriously at all and I think if you look

at the new Elite in Britain America and

elsewhere I think you know I talk about

this in the book but what was seeing is

the rise of what some academics have

called asymmetrical multiculturalism

whereby in the world of the newer lead

you can celebrate every identity every

history every culture around the world

so long as it is not your own uh and

when it comes to britishness and

englishness you must be instinctively

skeptical you must be in some cases

openly hostile and you must repackage

those National identities around these

Universal themes and many voters find

this incredibly difficult to digest and

deal with because John to say that a

country is welcoming of diversity is

fine but that cannot be the basis of an

entire national identity because it's

like saying you don't have an identity

of your own and for many Brits and

Australians and Americans you know they

they are fiercely proud of their

distinctive identity their distinctive

history their distinctive culture their

distinctive ways of life and they feel

that those things are being rapidly

eroded by globalization and by a distant

Elite which is why these these populist

politicians and others are still as

strong as they've ever been because they

are tapping into this growing sense of

frustration with this new ruling

class