In part two of Dan’s conversation with political scientist Yascha Mounk, the two discuss identity politics, its growing influence on the American left, and the danger this trend poses to pluralistic societies.

They examine why identity politics is so seductive, how it reshapes government, schools, and civic institutions, and why Mounk believes it ultimately undermines both individuality and democratic cohesion. The conversation also turns inward, exploring Jewish identity: where it strengthens pluralism, where it becomes politicized, and why Jews, in particular, should be cautious about abandoning universal principles for group-based power.

In this episode...

- Why liberalism today feels unrecognizable

- What identity politics is and why it’s so appealing

- How universalism gave way to group-based politics

- When inclusion turns into segregation

- Jewish identity and the limits of identity-based politics

- Why free speech remains essential for a pluralistic democracy

From the episode:

- Listen to Yascha’s podcast The Good Fight

- Subscribe to Persuasion

- Purchase Yascha’s book, The Identity Trap

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Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo