Podcasts > The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast > 522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

By DailyWire+

In this episode of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Kemi Badenoch opens up about her upbringing across different continents and her journey from engineering to politics. She offers a critique of "woke" ideologies and identity politics, which she believes undermine classical liberal values. Badenoch shares her concerns with the Left's detachment from reality and calls for reinforcing the UK's institutions and dominant culture as pillars of a thriving society.

Badenoch outlines her plans as a Conservative Party leader, aiming to restore the party's credibility through pragmatic, truth-telling policies. She discusses her stance on key issues like net zero, immigration, and youth engagement—offering solutions to combat perceived policy flaws. The conversation delves into Badenoch's vision for steering the UK towards realistic reforms while preserving the nation's core strengths.

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

1-Page Summary

Kemi Badenoch's Academic Roots and Journey to Politics

Kemi Badenoch was born in London to Nigerian parents entrenched in academia. Her upbringing across the UK, Nigeria, and US cultivated a highly educated mindset. Despite Nigeria's economic decline by the 1990s, Badenoch's family maintained lofty expectations. She pursued engineering at university, felt unfulfilled, and later studied law. Pivotal encounters with left-wing student activists and exposure to classical liberal thinkers galvanized Badenoch's conservative leanings and spurred her shift into politics.

Critiques of "Woke" Ideologies and Call for Strengthening UK's Institutions

Kemi Badenoch vocally opposes postmodern philosophies and identity politics that she believes undermine classical liberal values. Badenoch critiques the climate movement's anti-human rhetoric and radical gender theory. She warns the Left is detached from reality, taking enlightenment principles for granted. Badenoch advocates reinforcing the UK's dominant culture and high-trust society to sustain social cooperation and economic success.

Conservative Party Challenges and Badenoch's Plan for Restoration

Expressing frustration with past Conservative policies on immigration and net zero, Badenoch cites complacency and backlash fears hindering sound policymaking. She positions herself as a pragmatic truth-teller equipped with engineering logic and legal expertise to restore credibility. While opposing "woke" elements, Badenoch plans to preserve the UK's core strengths through realistic solutions.

Policy Critiques: Net Zero Plan, Immigration, and Engaging Youth

Badenoch criticizes the unclear economic impacts of the Net Zero policy rollout, driven more by politics than practicality. On immigration, she supports cultural unity while sensibly managing inflows to bolster integration. Badenoch is concerned over rising youth despair, seeing it as vulnerability to extreme "woke" ideologies, and vows to renew hope through policy reforms.

1-Page Summary

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Counterarguments

  • While Badenoch opposes postmodern philosophies and identity politics, critics might argue that these frameworks can offer valuable insights into social issues and help address systemic inequalities.
  • Some may contend that the climate movement's rhetoric is not anti-human but rather seeks to protect human life by advocating for sustainable practices that combat climate change.
  • Opponents of Badenoch's views might suggest that reinforcing the UK's dominant culture could risk marginalizing diverse communities and overlook the benefits of multiculturalism.
  • Critics of Badenoch's stance on past Conservative policies might argue that concerns about immigration and net zero initiatives are complex and require nuanced, compassionate approaches rather than simple retrenchment.
  • There could be disagreement with Badenoch's characterization of the Left as detached from reality, with some suggesting that progressive policies are grounded in a different set of values and priorities.
  • Regarding the Net Zero policy, environmental advocates might argue that the long-term benefits and necessity of addressing climate change outweigh immediate economic clarity.
  • On immigration, some might argue that cultural unity does not necessarily require strict management of inflows and that diversity can enhance societal resilience and innovation.
  • Concerning youth despair, alternative viewpoints might suggest that it is not solely due to "woke" ideologies but could also stem from broader social and economic challenges that require comprehensive solutions beyond policy reforms.

Actionables

  • You can explore different cultural perspectives by reading literature from various countries, which may broaden your understanding of global issues and foster a more educated mindset. For example, if you're intrigued by the UK's dominant culture as mentioned, you might start with British classics and then compare them with contemporary Nigerian authors to see different worldviews and historical contexts.
  • Engage in local community discussions or forums to better understand the practical implications of policies like Net Zero on your community. This could involve attending town hall meetings or participating in online community groups where such topics are debated, giving you firsthand insight into the complexities of policy-making and its impact on people's lives.
  • Volunteer with youth mentorship programs to help address the issue of youth despair and vulnerability to extreme ideologies. By offering guidance and support, you can contribute to creating a more hopeful outlook for young people, which may counteract the allure of radical beliefs and foster a sense of purpose and community.

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch's Background and Personal Journey

Kemi Badenoch's life story illustrates a journey from a highly academic family rooted in Nigeria to a political career in the UK shaped by her appreciation for democratic values and conservative ideology.

Badenoch, Born In London, Grew Up In the Uk and Us In a Science-Focused Academic Family

Kemi Badenoch was born in Wimbledon, London — an event she attributes to her mother needing to consult a doctor in the UK. Her mother, a professor of physiology on an obstetric referral, meant that her upbringing was marked by an academic environment. With her parents and their siblings deeply involved in academia, Kemi Badenoch grew up in a family where everyone was a doctor, and high academic success was the norm.

Badenoch spent time back and forth between the UK and Nigeria, often during holidays, and spent about a year in the US in Omaha, Nebraska, due to her mother's fellowship at the University of Nebraska. Her early childhood memories include experiencing snow for the first time and attending first grade, which left a vivid imprint on her.

Her family's ethos, stated by her father through his 'law of homogeneity,' suggested that like-minded people naturally gravitate towards each other — a sentiment Badenoch felt embodied her experience upon joining the Conservative Party, where she found her peer group.

Badenoch's Family Originated From Nigeria, Which Declined Significantly By the 1990s

Badenoch's family hails from Lagos, Nigeria, which was a wealthy country during the 1970s oil boom. However, by the mid-90s, Nigeria faced significant economic downturns, with universities on strike and the nation's expulsion from the Commonwealth. This decline influenced the available choices for Badenoch and her family and affected their academic and financial trajectories.

After relocating to the UK, Badenoch encountered an educational system where failing was seen as acceptable, contrasting sharply with her family's high expectations in Nigeria. She noticed that her academic performance dropped from excelling in Nigeria to an average level in the UK, which she attributes to the lower expectations and different academic environment, morably the disparities between state and private education.

Badenoch Pursued Engineering, Turned To Law, Found Her Calling in Politics

Jordan Peterson highlights that Badenoch is not only an engineer but also has extensive legal training. Initially intending to become a doctor, she completed an engineering degree at the University of Sussex, where she felt unfulfilled post-graduation. Her latent interest in law led her to attend Birkbeck College, where she pursued a law degree via night school while still wor ...

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Kemi Badenoch's Background and Personal Journey

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Actionables

  • Explore your family history to understand how it shapes your perspectives, much like Badenoch's Nigerian roots influenced her. Start by creating a family tree and noting down any academic achievements or cultural ideologies that have been passed down. This can help you identify any inherent biases or strengths you might have.
  • Reflect on your educational experiences in different environments to gain insight into your learning style. If you've studied in various countries or educational systems, compare your performance and adaptability in each setting. This self-awareness can guide you in choosing future educational or professional paths that align with your strengths.
  • Use pivotal life moments as opportunities for self-reinvention, si ...

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

Badenoch's Critiques of Left-Wing Ideology and Liberalism's Weaknesses

Kemi Badenoch has voiced strong criticism of modern ideologies, like postmodernism and the so-called "woke" culture, which she argues are twisting the principles of classical liberalism and harming society.

Badenoch Criticizes Postmodern and Left-Wing Ideologies For Twisting Classical Liberal Principles

Badenoch Finds Identity Politics, Moral Relativism, Anti-Human Rhetoric in Climate Movement Problematic

Kemi Badenoch criticizes what she calls "moral colonialism" and the virtue signaling in left-wing ideology, especially concerning aid to Africa. She finds the imposition of Western values on African countries that are not ready or interested to be misguided due to current practices driven by "vested interests." Badenoch also criticizes extreme gender ideology and critical race theory, suggesting that these movements hide behind the legitimacy of historic initiatives like the civil rights movement but actually set race relations back.

Badenoch is bothered by the anti-human rhetoric of left-wing climate extremists, asserting that such beliefs portray humans as aliens to the planet and imply that nature would benefit from the absence of people. This viewpoint, she fears, shares similarities with other extreme ideologies she considers anti-human, such as identity politics that castigate certain racial groups.

Badenoch Views the Left As Out of Touch and Avoiding Societal Challenges

She suggests the left is detached from reality in the UK and in Western societies at large, taking for granted the values that have enabled Western societies to flourish. Badenoch insists that enlightenment values such as freedom of speech and presumption of innocence have been vital to the UK's success. She highlights the importance of maintaining a shared, dominant culture in a multi-ethnic society rather than creating divisions along multiple cultural lines.

Badenoch Champions Enlightenment Values and Classical Liberal Ideals For UK's Greatness

Badenoch Warns West Risks Losing Cultural Unity and High-Trust Society Underpinning Classical Liberalism's Success

Badenoch considers the UK as the best place to be, attributing its status to its success in blending the best from around the world while preserving a dominant culture that accepts other strains within. She underscores the need to protect texts and principles to preserve the original purposes of legislation, linking conservative principles to the defe ...

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Badenoch's Critiques of Left-Wing Ideology and Liberalism's Weaknesses

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Clarifications

  • "Woke" culture originated as a term highlighting awareness of social injustices, particularly within African American communities. It has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of societal inequalities, including issues related to race, gender, and marginalized identities. The term is often associated with progressive movements advocating for social justice and challenging systemic discrimination. However, it has also been used sarcastically by some to criticize perceived superficial or insincere actions within leftist and progressive circles.
  • "Moral colonialism" is a term used to describe the imposition of one culture's moral values and beliefs onto another culture, often without considering or respecting the values and perspectives of the culture being influenced. It implies a sense of superiority and dominance in moral judgments and actions, akin to the historical colonial practices of imposing political and cultural control over other societies. This concept is often criticized for its potential to undermine cultural diversity, autonomy, and self-determination of communities by enforcing external moral standards.
  • "Vested interests" typically refers to individuals or groups who have a personal stake or benefit in maintaining a certain status quo or outcome. These interests can influence decision-making and actions to protect their advantages or privileges. In the context of the text, Kemi Badenoch criticizes practices driven by "vested interests" that she believes are guiding misguided actions in aid to Africa and other areas. The term implies a self-interested motive that may conflict with broader societal or ethical considerations.
  • Extreme gender ideology typically refers to radical beliefs and practices related to gender identity that may challenge traditional understandings of gender roles and norms. This can include advocating for non-binary or genderqueer identities, critiquing the gender binary system, and promoting gender fluidity. Critics of extreme gender ideology often argue that it undermines societal norms and values related to gender, leading to debates about gender expression, rights, and social structures.
  • Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines how societal structures and laws perpetuate racial inequalities. It focuses on systemic racism rather than individual prejudice, analyzing how race intersects with other social factors like class and gender. CRT scholars argue that race is a social construct and that racial disparities are often the result of complex institutional dynamics. The theory originated in the United States in response to ongoing racial injustices despite legal advancements in civil rights.
  • Enlightenment values encompass principles like reason, science, humanism, and progress. These values emerged during the Enlightenment period in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. They emphasize the importance of rational thinking, empirical evidence, individual rights, and the belief in human potential for improvement. Enlightenment values have been associ ...

Counterarguments

  • Postmodern and left-wing ideologies can offer valuable critiques of classical liberalism, highlighting issues such as inequality and systemic injustice that classical liberalism may not adequately address.
  • Identity politics can be a tool for marginalized groups to gain recognition and fight for equality, rather than being inherently divisive or problematic.
  • Moral relativism, when applied thoughtfully, can foster a more empathetic and understanding society that respects cultural differences.
  • Climate activism is often driven by a concern for the well-being of all humans and future generations, rather than an anti-human sentiment.
  • Left-wing ideologies may be more in touch with the needs and struggles of various marginalized groups, offering solutions to societal challenges that are overlooked by more traditional perspectives.
  • Enlightenment values, while important, are not the sole contributors to a society's success and may need to be re-evaluated and adapted to meet contemporary challenges.
  • Cultural unity does not necessarily require a dominant culture; a pluralistic society can thrive with multiple cultures ...

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

Challenges for the Conservative Party and Badenoch's Vision

Kemi Badenoch, in detailing her vision for the Conservative Party, touches upon restoring trust through practical solutions while criticizing past policies and approaches within the party.

Badenoch Criticizes Conservative Party's Past Failures In Net Zero Policies and Immigration

Kemi Badenoch is critical of how immigration policy has been handled, expressing frustration over a lack of oversight and responsibility. She challenges the complacency which led to announcing policies like cutting immigration without proper implementation. Badenoch also criticizes the Conservative Party’s handling of the net zero debate and suggests that decision-making has often been too political and not based on sound policymaking.

Badenoch: Complacency and Backlash Fears Led To Poor Decisions, Loss of Trust

Badenoch believes that the complacency of many, including the civil service and the political party in charge, has led to poor decisions and a resulting loss of trust. She indicates that multiple layers of governance assumed others were managing the situation, which was not the case. This inadvertent abdication of responsibility, she insinuates, stems from complacency and fears of backlash.

Badenoch: A Pragmatic, Truthful Leader Who Can Restore Conservative Party Credibility

Badenoch presents herself as a leader capable of addressing the party's issues and challenges with her background in engineering and law. She emphasizes the need for truth in politics and suggests her hands-on and factual approach is what can restore credibility to the Conservative Party.

Badenoch reflects on her engineering background, coupled with her experience in law, to advocate for her capability in handling national issues. Jordan Peterson echoes this sentiment, noting that her education in engineering may contribute to her truthful nature, as the discipline requires dealing with realities ...

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Challenges for the Conservative Party and Badenoch's Vision

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Badenoch's criticism of past failures in net zero policies may overlook the complexities and evolving nature of environmental science and policy, which can make swift and effective action challenging.
  • The assertion that complacency and fear of backlash are the sole reasons for poor decisions may be an oversimplification, as policy-making is often influenced by a multitude of factors, including economic constraints, public opinion, and international relations.
  • While Badenoch positions herself as a pragmatic and truthful leader, leadership also requires the ability to build consensus and navigate political nuances, which may not always align with a straightforward approach.
  • The emphasis on engineering and legal expertise might not fully encompass the breadth of skills needed to address national issues, which can also benefit from insights in areas such as social policy, economic ...

Actionables

  • Reflect on your own decision-making process to identify where you may be acting out of complacency or fear of backlash. By journaling your decisions for a week, you can spot patterns where you might be avoiding tough choices or not speaking up due to fear of criticism. This self-awareness can help you make more courageous and authentic decisions in your personal and professional life.
  • Use your unique skills and experiences to contribute to community discussions on local issues. If you have a background in a particular area, like engineering or law, offer your insights in community forums or local government meetings to help address challenges in your area. Your expertise could provide practical solutions to problems like infrastructure needs or legal complexities in your community.
  • Challenge yourself to understand and articulate your core values, then actively seek ...

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522. The New Conservative Party | Kemi Badenoch

Badenoch's Views on Policy: Net Zero, Immigration, Youth Engagement

Kemi Badenoch, a prominent figure in political discussions, voices concerns over several key policy areas including climate initiatives, immigration challenges, and the sense of despair among youth. Her perspectives highlight the need for practical plans, cultural unity, and hope for the future.

Badenoch Criticizes Net Zero Policy for Unclear Plan and Economic Impact

Badenoch: Net Zero Policy Driven by Politics, Not Sound Policy

Badenoch is skeptical of the net zero initiative, suggesting it lacks a clear plan and questioning the economic impact of the policy. She believes that Net Zero is propelled by political motives and a desire for global leadership, rather than being a well-thought-out policy. She criticizes others for valuing appearances at conferences over substantial legislative action, considering such behavior to be driven by "foolishness, egotism and cowardice." Badenoch reflects on her experience as a minister, where she pushed back against regulations related to Net Zero, though she acknowledges the limitations individual impact without prime ministerial power. She insists that countries opening new coal-fired plants weekly starkly contrast the sincerity of Net Zero, highlighting a discrepancy between policy and practical, effective strategy.

Badenoch Worries About UK Immigration Challenges and Integration Decline

Badenoch Urges Sensible Immigration Policy to Preserve Cultural Unity and Trust

Badenoch stresses the importance of retaining cultural unity and trust amid increasing immigration and decreasing levels of integration. She relates to Jordan Peterson's views on the importance of a unified culture, signifying the need for immigration policy that balances openness with the preservation of societal cohesion. Badenoch considers complacency a major threat to the UK's status as a high-trust society and calls for a sensible immigration policy. She underscores the need for acknowledgment and proactive m ...

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Badenoch's Views on Policy: Net Zero, Immigration, Youth Engagement

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The Net Zero policy may have a clear plan that Badenoch is not acknowledging, and its economic impact could be positive in the long term by fostering sustainable industries and jobs.
  • Political motives in the Net Zero policy could be aligned with sound policy if the political will is to address climate change effectively and responsibly.
  • Cultural unity and trust can be enhanced through immigration by embracing diversity and fostering inclusive policies that integrate immigrants into society.
  • Immigration challenges can be addressed by improving integration programs and support systems, rather than limiting immigration, which could benefit the economy and cultural richness.
  • Despair among young people might be addressed by systemic changes in education, employment, and social support, rather than solely through the provision of hope and opportunities.
  • Young peopl ...

Actionables

  • You can evaluate the sustainability initiatives in your area by requesting transparency reports from local government officials. By doing so, you encourage accountability and ensure that environmental policies like Net Zero have clear, actionable plans that serve the community effectively.
  • Engage in community dialogues to foster cultural unity by organizing informal meet-and-greets with neighbors from diverse backgrounds. This helps build trust and integration at a grassroots level, countering the decline in integration due to immigration challenges.
  • Volunteer as a mentor for yout ...

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