Against Identity Politics | Francis Fukuyama, political scientist, lecture

The speaker expresses gratitude for the introduction and sponsorship of the event. They appreciate the hospitality of the Netherlands and discuss their familiarity with the country's politics. The main topic is the role of identity in the current crisis of global democracy, marking a shift from traditional left-right political dichotomies towards identity-based politics.

The speaker argues that world politics is moving away from economic disagreements between the left and right, and towards identity issues. They mention leaders like Erdoğan, Orbán, Kaczyński, and Trump as examples of this shift. The focus is on how these leaders emphasize identity over economic policies, highlighting Trump's focus on immigration over economic achievements.

The speaker explains different definitions of populism: economic or social policies that are unsustainable long-term, a charismatic style of politics that undermines institutions, and populist leaders claiming to represent only a specific group rather than the entire population. They stress the dangers populism poses to liberal democracy and the international order.

The speaker discusses the economic reasons behind populism, citing job losses due to globalization and deindustrialization. They highlight how this has led to income stagnation and loss of status, particularly among working-class men. The 2008 financial crisis exacerbated these issues, driving the demand for strong, decisive leaders.

The speaker emphasizes that identity issues are crucial for understanding the rise of populism. They explain that identity is about cultural recognition and respect, often taking precedence over economic concerns. The example of Brexit voters prioritizing national identity over economic consequences illustrates this point.

The speaker outlines the importance of recognition in liberal democracy, noting that it acknowledges individuals as moral agents with rights. They contrast this with authoritarian regimes, which treat citizens as incapable of self-governance. The speaker warns against forms of identity politics that prioritize group identity over individual rights.

The speaker traces the history of identity politics to European nationalism and argues that contemporary radical Islamist movements also seek recognition. They highlight the appeal of these movements to young Muslims in Europe and the Middle East, who feel a strong identity conflict and seek agency through radical ideologies.

The speaker explains how identity politics evolved in liberal democracies, beginning with the civil rights and feminist movements. They discuss how the focus shifted from class-based inequality to the specific grievances of various minority groups, noting that this shift contributed to the defection of working-class voters from left-wing parties to populist movements.

The speaker argues for the need to promote integrative identities that go beyond specific group grievances. They suggest that national identity, if defined inclusively, can unify diverse populations. The speaker acknowledges the challenges in fostering a shared identity, especially in the face of rising right-wing nationalism and left-wing globalism.

The speaker discusses the balance between addressing symbolic injustices and focusing on concrete economic policies. They advocate for practical solutions to economic inequality and emphasize the importance of political engagement to counter the populist narrative. The speaker highlights the role of leadership in promoting inclusive national identities.

The speaker critiques how universities often respond to identity politics by creating symbolic programs rather than addressing deeper economic and structural issues. They argue that meaningful progress requires more than symbolic victories and must include practical efforts to improve the material conditions of disadvantaged groups.

The speaker emphasizes the complexity of addressing issues like homelessness, which often involve deeper behavioral and cognitive problems. They stress the importance of recognizing the human dignity of marginalized individuals and the need for comprehensive support systems to address these challenges effectively.

The speaker discusses the impact of identity politics on free speech, particularly in academic settings. They argue that excessive sensitivity to perceived slights can hinder open debate and self-censorship. The speaker advocates for a balance between protecting individuals from harm and preserving robust, open discourse.

The speaker acknowledges that anger can be a powerful motivator for social change, as seen in various historical movements. They differentiate between the positive aspects of anger in fighting for justice and the potential for anger to be misdirected or excessive. The speaker stresses the importance of channeling anger constructively.

The speaker explores the interplay between socio-economic status and identity issues, acknowledging that economic deprivation often underlies identity grievances. They highlight the difficulty in disentangling these factors and argue for a comprehensive approach that addresses both economic and identity-related concerns.

The speaker discusses the importance of fostering a strong, inclusive national identity to counteract populism. They emphasize the need for leadership to clearly define national identity in terms of democratic values rather than ethnicity. The speaker points to examples of successful integration of diverse populations through inclusive national symbols.

The speaker addresses the perceived tension between national identity and global cooperation on issues like climate change. They argue that strong national identities do not preclude international cooperation and that effective solutions to global problems require cohesive national decision-making within an international framework.

The speaker concludes with a call to action for political engagement and practical solutions to socio-economic and identity issues. They emphasize the need for inclusive national identities and effective leadership to address the challenges posed by populism. The session ends with a Q&A, exploring further nuances of the speaker's arguments.