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The Road to Somewhere

David Goodhart

Communitarianism / populism

It is a widely cited communitarian reading of populism that names a cultural fault line driving Brexit and similar revolts.

Synopsis

An analysis of populism dividing society into rooted 'Somewheres' and mobile 'Anywheres,' arguing liberal elites neglected the values of place-bound citizens.

Core passage idea

Paraphrase · Modern copyrighted work

A mobile, educated minority who feel at home anywhere have set the terms of politics, leaving rooted communities feeling their attachments to place and nation were dismissed.

It offers a values-based map of the populist backlash, locating its roots in a clash over identity and belonging rather than mere economics.

To avoid a bubble

Pair with John Stuart Mill, On Liberty.

Reading note

Read its 'Somewhere'/'Anywhere' types as useful simplifications, not rigid categories; Goodhart is sympathetic to the rooted majority.

Best paired with

John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

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