Anti-Western Derangement: Decolonization and the Erasure of the West
Latest podcast where I discuss decolonisation, international conflict, the Ukraine crisis and the EU.
On this week's Deprogrammed, hosts Harrison Pitt of the European Conservative and freelance writer Evan Riggs are joined by Professor Doug Stokes, Professor of International Security & Strategy at Exeter University, Senior Adviser at the Legatum Institute and author of "Against Decolonisation: Campus Culture Wars and the Decline of the West".
Here are the key takeaways from the transcript:
- [00:30](
📰 Doug Stokes discusses the news coverage of decolonization and its celebration in academia, especially in relation to Hamas's attacks on Israel.
- [01:54](
🤔 The deep philosophical currents in Western culture, such as postmodernism and postcolonialism, are emphasized, highlighting their influence on social constructivism and the idea of relative truth.
- [03:27](
📊 Intersectionality theory is linked with decolonization, portraying a hierarchy of oppression with white heterosexual men at the top.
- [06:01](
🌍 A distinction is made between political decolonization, like the dissolution of European empires, and social theories of decolonization focusing on the legacy of empires.
- [11:33](
🎓 The practical impacts of these theories in academia are discussed, particularly the controversial celebration of violence in the name of decolonization.
- [15:19](
📈 The discussion turns to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework in academia, questioning its implications and biases.
- [20:49](
🏛️ The conversation shifts to examining EDI in institutional contexts, its potential for discrimination, and the societal implications.
- [25:10](
🤷 Questions are raised about practical steps to address the issues surrounding DEI, looking for actionable solutions.
- [33:27](
🔄 The focus shifts to discussing the reform of British governance and the public sector, emphasizing the need for substantial changes.
- [41:09](
💡 The idea of a "reformation of our conservative media ecosystem" is proposed, stressing the need for more investigative reporting and action-oriented approaches.
- [48:35](
🌏 Geopolitical discussions about China and Russia emerge, analyzing their current positions and future trends.
- [01:03:22](
🤝 The possibility of a new European security architecture incorporating Russia is suggested, highlighting its potential to improve regional stability.
- [01:08:09](
🛡️ The role of NATO and its future in the context of European security is examined, along with the strategic implications for Europe.
- [01:14:22](
📌 The final part focuses on the changing dynamics of international relations, especially concerning the US, China, Russia, and European countries.