Populism Across Decades and Demographics

Discover how the heartland of America is transforming its political landscape on the Feudal Future podcast. Join us as we sit down with experts like William Binning and Michael Lind to unravel the historical shifts in Midwestern populism, tracing its journey from left-wing origins to its current right-leaning momentum. Learn about the pivotal role of Ohio and influential figures like James Traficant in catalyzing this political realignment, and gain insights into the broader implications for disenfranchised groups, including middle-class manufacturing workers and small business owners.

In this episode, we dissect the intersection of American populism with progressivism and the burgeoning influence of cryptocurrency. We'll reveal how political heavyweights like Trump and Schumer are targeting crypto billionaires, and what this means for fiscal policies and social safety nets like Social Security and Medicare. You'll also hear about the deepening political divide between college-educated and non-college-educated voters across racial and ethnic groups, raising critical questions about the future of the working class and the direction of U.S. political discourse.

We then turn our gaze to the future, contemplating what American populism might look like in a post-Trump era. Explore the potential fragmentation within the Republican Party and the Democrats' cultural hurdles, spotlighting figures such as Ron DeSantis and J.D. Vance. This episode also delves into the societal impacts of family dynamics and declining birth rates, pondering how these factors could nudge Western political landscapes further to the right. Plus, we discuss Michael Lind's compelling new book, "Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America," offering a thought-provoking look at the economic challenges that lie ahead. Join us for a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the forces shaping modern American and European politics.

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The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.