Identity

The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment

By: Francis Fukuyama

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

The New York Times best-selling author of The Origins of Political Order offers a provocative examination of modern identity politics: its origins, its effects, and what it means for domestic and international affairs of state

In 2014, Francis Fukuyama wrote that American institutions were in decay, as the state was progressively captured by powerful interest groups. Two years later, his predictions were borne out by the rise to power of a series of political outsiders whose economic nationalism and authoritarian tendencies threatened to destabilize the entire international order. These populist nationalists seek direct charismatic connection to “the people”, who are usually defined in narrow identity terms that offer an irresistible call to an in-group and exclude large parts of the population as a whole.

Demand for recognition of one’s identity is a master concept that unifies much of what is going on in world politics today. The universal recognition on which liberal democracy is based has been increasingly challenged by narrower forms of recognition based on nation, religion, sect, race, ethnicity, or gender, which have resulted in anti-immigrant populism, the upsurge of politicized Islam, the fractious “identity liberalism” of college campuses, and the emergence of white nationalism. Populist nationalism, said to be rooted in economic motivation, actually springs from the demand for recognition and therefore cannot simply be satisfied by economic means. The demand for identity cannot be transcended; we must begin to shape identity in a way that supports rather than undermines democracy.

Identity is an urgent and necessary book - a sharp warning that unless we forge a universal understanding of human dignity, we will doom ourselves to continuing conflict.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Francis Fukuyama (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Masterfully written

Dr. Fukuyama presents an insightful analysis of today’s identity politics. His historical references to the seeds of western democracies to the buildup of the stalemate and stag-mire of modern day politics is on point. After reading this book it is hard to watch the news the same way again as your worldview is sure to be enlightened.

Was this an AI read book?

I seriously thought this was read by a robot. Reviewing the reviews I see the rendition was a common challenge for other listeners. I should have bought the book this time ….

2020 necessary read

Fukuyama delivers a great analysis of current political issues oscillating around diversity and inclusion. Immaculate walk through European and US examples of economic and social struggles. Informative, easy read, substantial, and innovative approach.

Helpful understanding current political climate

Despite the dreadfully boring, nasal delivery by P.J. Ochlan (some words even mispronounced), the ideas Fukuyama expresses are thought provoking. The first part is somewhat like a philosophy summary class, which Ochlan's delivery makes sound more like a lecture than when I read it. But from Chapter 10 forward, the ideas are presented in ways which make them so applicable to the current world in which we live, something for which I am very grateful. I have been having a difficult time appreciating how people can vote the way they do, and understood it far better after reading this. It helps me appreciate how even poor character, self-aggrandizement and self-focused authoritarian personalities can garner support.

Narrated by a robot?

While the book is very interesting, it was hard to follow along with such an unnatural narrator. The inflection at the end of every sentence is exactly the same as the one before. Strange.