RSA Conversations

Liberals and Authoritarians

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Commentators have written at great length about left vs right, the young vs the old, ‘somewheres’ vs ‘anywheres’. But what if there’s one big divide they’re missing? Are we now a nation of liberals vs authoritarians?

Divides in politics are nothing new – but are they deepening? And does the old left/right split still apply, or are there newer, different splits in British politics?

The political sociologist Paula Surridge from the University of Bristol joins the RSA’s Matthew Taylor and the author of 'Born Liars' and 'Curious', Ian Leslie, to discuss.

Links

  • Paula's Medium post on the liberal-authoritarian divide
  • The Authoritarian Dynamic by Karen Stenner
  • 'The thing about the “gap in British politics” is it exists, but it ain’t where most commentators think it is.' - Stephen Bush from the New Statesman on Twitter, using Paula's analysis
  • Why are there fewer election posters in people's windows? - Benedict Pringle in Political Advertising
  • Matthew Taylor on Twitter
  • Ian Leslie on Twitter
  • Paula Surridge on Twitter

    • Produced by James Shield, with production help from Alex Atack in Bristol. Artwork design by Emily Power.

    Brought to you by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

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