May 19, 2026

Is Western Culture Turning Against Wokeism? (E200)

1 hour 7 minutes

A wide-ranging conversation with Eric Kaufmann about the origins of woke culture, institutional capture, generational shifts, social media, AI, and the future of progressive politics.

Guest Bio

Eric Kaufmann is a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. He is the author of The Third Awokening and several books on identity politics, culture, nationalism, and political polarization. His work focuses on free speech, demographic change, populism, and the evolution of progressive ideology in Western societies.

Topics Discussed

The “three awokenings” from the 1960s to today

Social media and the spread of woke ideology

DEI and institutional capture

Generational differences between Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z

Free speech and self-censorship on campus

Political polarization and dating/social division

Feminization of institutions and HR culture

The role of universities and elite institutions

Government action versus libertarian responses to woke culture

AI bias and the future of political discourse

Corporate activism and consumer backlash

The future of progressive politics in the West

Differences between the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. on culture war issues

Trans activism and cultural backlash

Social contagion and identity politics

The decline of trust in elite institutions

Main Points

Kaufmann argues woke ideology began in the late 1960s and has evolved through three major “awokenings.”

He believes peak woke culture occurred around 2020, but many beliefs and policies remain institutionalized.

Social media and smartphone culture amplified and mainstreamed ideas that previously stayed mostly on college campuses.

Younger generations are more supportive of speech restrictions and progressive identity politics than older generations.

DEI policies are described as the institutional form of woke ideology.

Kaufmann argues that culture—not economics—is the primary driver behind woke movements.

He believes government intervention is necessary to roll back institutionalized progressive activism.

The conversation explores how HR departments, universities, and corporations became vehicles for ideological enforcement.

AI could either reinforce ideological bias or help restore a more evidence-based culture depending on how it develops.

Both Kaufmann and Jesse discuss whether the West may be reaching the end of a 60-year progressive era.

Top 3 Quotes

“Woke is making sacred of historically marginalized race, gender and sexual identity groups.” — Eric Kaufmann

“If you don’t use government, the woke win.” — Eric Kaufmann

“Social media didn’t create woke culture, but it poured gasoline on it.” — Jesse summarizing Kaufmann’s argument

Books Discussed

The Third Awokening — Eric Kaufmann

Woke Inc. — Vivek Ramaswamy

The Origins of Political Order (referenced conceptually through institutional discussion)

Works and ideas from Thomas Sowell

Works and ideas from Jonathan Haidt

References to Richard Hanania and his work on affirmative action and institutions

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
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By El Podcast Media

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