Yascha Mounk's Answer to the Identity Trap

“Part of the beauty of America is that we all have roots in all kinds of parts of the world, and we bring that cultural richness—and the aspect of cultural diversity—with us to this country.” 

So says Yascha Mounk on this episode of The Russell Moore Show. And yet, of course, differences can also bring about conflict that has a significant negative impact on individuals and society alike. Mounk, an expert on issues in liberal democracy, and Moore discuss these parallel truths through the lens of Mounk’s new book, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time.

Mounk and Moore talk about the “spiral of radicalization” the United States finds itself in today. They consider the role of political parties, institutions, and perspectives on race in shaping our cultural moment. Their conversation dives into sexual orientation, gender identity, and marriage as well as pedagogy, theology, and social psychology. 

Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue that spans issues of discrimination, justice, and the power of influence in our daily lives. 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Yascha Mounk at The Atlantic

Council on Foreign Relations

Persuasion Journal

The Good Fight podcast

The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time by Yascha Mounk

Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story by Ruby Bridges

Chloé Valdary

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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper

Host: Russell Moore

Producer: Ashley Hales

Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Audio engineering by Dan Phelps

Video producer: Abby Egan

Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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