The new politics with Rod Dreher

The new politics with Rod Dreher

Author: ECFR August 15, 2025 Duration: 39:17
Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
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This week Mark Leonard is joined by Rod Dreher, a visiting fellow and Network Project director at the Danube Institute in Budapest, and former senior editor at The American Conservative. Draher is also a writer—his latest book, “Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents” is based on the experiences of Christians persecuted in Soviet Russia.

Together, Mark and Rod discuss the shifting political landscape as characterised by a backlash against liberalism, the rise of right-wing movements, economic discontent among the working class, the implications of “forever wars”, and the challenges of supporting the idea of free speech in contemporary society.

But which main factors are driving this shift? What impact do culture and religion have on political discourse? And could liberal democratic values survive a global move towards right-wing movements?

This episode was recorded on 13th August 2025

Bookshelf:

Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America by Christian Smith

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Each week, Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes cuts through the noise of global headlines to explore the deeper forces at play. Curated by Mark Leonard, who directs the European Council on Foreign Relations, this ECFR podcast brings together leading thinkers, policymakers, and analysts from across Europe and the wider world. Their conversations move beyond the day's news to debate the underlying policies, strategic ideas, and geopolitical shifts that are actively shaping our future. The focus is consistently on understanding Europe's place in a complex international landscape, examining how it responds to crises and where it can exercise influence. Recognized for its quality with PolicyLab's 2019 award for best podcast on EU politics, this series delivers concise, substantive dialogue that fits into a busy schedule. As part of the EuroPod network, it offers a vital perspective for anyone looking to grasp not just what is happening, but why it matters. Tune in for a regular dose of informed discussion that connects the dots between events, decisions, and their long-term consequences.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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