Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: Blame Liberals For the Rise of Populism
Jun 5, 2022
Daniel Hannan, a notable Brexit campaigner, joins Elif Shafak, an acclaimed novelist from Turkey, and John Simpson, the BBC's World Affairs editor, for a compelling discussion. They tackle the question of whether liberal policies have fueled populism, dissecting high immigration, multiculturalism, and populist narratives. The conversation dives into the disconnect between elites and the working class, the emotional roots of populism, and the need for liberals to engage with genuine grievances in today’s complex political landscape.
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Populism and Liberalism: Definitions
- Critics of populism often define it vaguely as anything they dislike that is popular.
- The term 'liberal' has become distorted, used for both Davos elites and outreach workers.
Populism: An Emotional Response
- Populism is not an "ism" but a set of emotions (anger, resentment) tied to specific historical contexts.
- It's exploited by individuals like Erdogan and Putin for political gain.
Defending Liberalism in London
- Elif Shafak, used to defending liberal values in Turkey, finds it surreal to do so in London.
- She highlights the irony, given London's history with liberal philosophers.
