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.'