David Goodhart on Why the Educated Elite Lost Touch with Democracy

David Goodhart on Why the Educated Elite Lost Touch with Democracy

From The Good Fight by Yascha Mounk

March 24, 2026 · 1h 4m

About this episode

Yascha Mounk and David Goodhart discuss the disconnect between the educated elite and democracy, exploring the implications of the 'anywhere' versus 'somewhere' divide in contemporary society.

Yascha Mounk and David Goodhart explore how the domination of mobile, university-educated “anywheres” sparked the populist revolt. David Goodhart is a journalist, author and think tanker, and currently head of the demography unit at the Policy Exchange think tank. His latest book is The Care Dilemma: Freedom, Family and Fertility. In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk and David Goodhart discuss why the triumphalist worldview of the early 2000s has collapsed, how the “anywhere” versus “somewhere” divide explains contemporary populism, and whether meritocracy is creating an insulated professional class that damages the communities it leaves behind. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: leonora.barclay@persuasion.community Podcast production by Mickey Freeland and Leonora Barclay. Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google X: @Yascha_Mounk & @JoinPersuasion YouTube: Yascha Mounk, Persuasion LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Yascha Mounk

Guest: David Goodhart

Topics covered

  • populism
  • meritocracy
  • elite
  • democracy
  • education
  • community

Keywords

  • populist revolt
  • educated elite
  • democracy
  • anywhere
  • somewhere
  • meritocracy
  • community

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Policy Exchange

Books & works: The Care Dilemma: Freedom, Family and Fertility

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