Summary

Napp Nazworth and Colin Woodard explore the deep divisions within American society, focusing on the role of regional cultures and civic ideals. Woodard discusses his work at the Nationhood Lab, which aims to understand and address the challenges of nationhood in the U.S. They delve into the historical context of these divisions, the impact of disinformation, and the importance of finding common ground through shared values. Woodard emphasizes the need for a civic narrative that can unite Americans across cultural lines, while also addressing the challenges posed by migration and cultural inertia. The discussion culminates in insights from Woodard’s upcoming book, ‘Nations Apart,’ which examines how these regional cultures continue to shape American identity and politics.

Links

Nationhood Lab report: https://www.nationhoodlab.org/a-new-national-narrative/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding America’s Division

06:44 Civic Ideals vs. Cultural Identity

13:13 Bridging the Divide: Language and Civic Mindedness

21:01 Cultural Inertia and Regional Identity

27:54 Looking Ahead: Nations Apart and Its Implications

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