Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #928: Douglas Murray - Why Has The World Gone Insane?

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Hosts:

• Chris Williamson – Host of Modern Wisdom
• Douglas Murray – Author and Political Commentator

1. Introduction

In episode #928 of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson welcomes Douglas Murray to discuss the contemporary state of global affairs and the apparent descent into societal chaos. The conversation delves deep into political dynamics, cultural shifts, and the rise of tribalism, providing listeners with insightful analysis on why the world appears to be spiraling into insanity.

2. Trump's Presidency: Early Days and Policy Implementation

Douglas Murray begins by evaluating the first 78 days of Donald Trump's second term, characterizing his efforts as a "mixed bag." Murray acknowledges Trump's decisive actions, particularly in border control and tariff implementations.

Douglas Murray [01:50]: "He does what he says he's going to do. So whether it's tariffs or foreign policy or domestic policy, border... he campaigns about it and then he does it, tries to do it."

Murray highlights the significant reduction in illegal border crossings as a major accomplishment, despite facing criticism over collateral damage in deportation policies.

3. Political Strategies: The Left's Predicament

The discussion shifts to the Democratic Party's strategic missteps. Murray criticizes the party's flirtation with extreme left-wing policies and identity politics, arguing that such approaches alienate the broader electorate.

Douglas Murray [10:56]: "Very straightforward one. Which is you listen to your defeat and you learn from it and you work out what you did wrong."

He emphasizes the lack of cohesive leadership within the party, citing figures like Chuck Schumer as divisive and questioning the party's ability to present a unified front against Trumpism.

4. Societal Challenges in the UK

Murray expresses concern over the UK's current social and economic climate, describing widespread depression and a lack of inspiring leadership.

Douglas Murray [21:38]: "Everyone is supremely depressed and doesn't think life will get better."

He criticizes the interminable debates over infrastructure projects like Heathrow's third runway and HS2, portraying them as emblematic of the UK's paralysis in making decisive progress.

5. Cultural Suppression and Identity Politics

The conversation tackles the suppression of traditional Western culture in favor of progressive ideologies. Murray laments the decline of masculinity and the erosion of cultural institutions, using the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's recent controversies as an example.

Douglas Murray [28:21]: "It's the moment when this necrophilic utterance, this is the moment when it all goes wrong."

He argues that such cultural shifts weaken societal cohesion and undermine national identity, making it difficult to rally around shared values.

6. The Impact of Modern Media and Social Media

Murray and Williamson discuss the detrimental effects of the internet age on public discourse. Murray points out how the rapid velocity of news and the rise of conspiracy theories contribute to societal unrest.

Douglas Murray [70:17]: "The algorithm rewards the crazy."

He criticizes platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for facilitating the spread of misinformation and fostering polarized communities that act as "scapegoat out groups."

7. Experiences from War Zones: Ukraine and Israel

Drawing from his time in conflict areas, Murray shares poignant stories that illustrate both the devastating effects of war and the remarkable human resilience observed among soldiers and civilians alike.

Douglas Murray [53:21]: "It shows humanity, humankind at its absolute worst and also at its absolute best."

One such story involves a young Israeli soldier who courageously confronts and defeats a terrorist, embodying the duality of human nature in extreme circumstances.

8. Antisemitism and Scapegoating

Murray delves into the persistent issue of antisemitism, highlighting its adaptability across political spectrums. He explains how Jews historically serve as a versatile scapegoat, capable of absorbing a wide range of grievances.

Douglas Murray [73:45]: "The Jews can be blamed for everything and just have been historically."

He underscores the dangers of this scapegoating, linking it to broader societal failures and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

9. Democracy and Death Cults: Understanding the Title

Murray elaborates on his book, "Democracies and Death Cults," explaining the concept behind the title. He argues that modern democratic societies are increasingly vulnerable to ideologies that glorify death and destruction, akin to cults.

Douglas Murray [57:42]: "It's not about just liking life or enjoying life. If you're going to enjoy life, you have to be willing to fight for it."

The book explores how external and internal threats challenge the very foundations of democratic values, necessitating a re-evaluation of societal priorities and defense mechanisms.

10. Dealing with Criticism in the Digital Age

Addressing personal experiences with online criticism, Murray discusses strategies for handling negativity without allowing it to derail one's sense of purpose.

Douglas Murray [97:38]: "I just don't think it pays to spend very much time thinking about what other people think about you."

He emphasizes the importance of discerning constructive criticism from malicious attacks, advocating for resilience and self-awareness in maintaining one's integrity and focus.

11. The Role of National Pride and Cultural Identity

Murray advocates for a renewed sense of national pride and cultural identity as a counterbalance to the pervasive negative narratives surrounding Western societies.

Douglas Murray [88:34]: "Classic way... it's the idea that it's actually rather wonderfully set up... doesn’t really work the way it's done in the West."

He critiques the Western tendency to undervalue its own cultural richness, suggesting that recognition and appreciation of one's heritage are crucial for societal stability and progress.

12. Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

As the conversation wraps up, Murray shares his optimism despite global challenges, drawing inspiration from the heroism witnessed in conflict zones. He also touches upon his upcoming book release and future endeavors, leaving listeners with a message of hope and the importance of understanding and defending democratic values.

Notable Quotes:

• Douglas Murray [01:50]: "He does what he says he's going to do. So whether it's tariffs or foreign policy or domestic policy, border... he campaigns about it and then he does it, tries to do it."

• Douglas Murray [10:56]: "Very straightforward one. Which is you listen to your defeat and you learn from it and you work out what you did wrong."

• Douglas Murray [21:38]: "Everyone is supremely depressed and doesn't think life will get better."

• Douglas Murray [28:21]: "It's the moment when this necrophilic utterance, this is the moment when it all goes wrong."

• Douglas Murray [53:21]: "It shows humanity, humankind at its absolute worst and also at its absolute best."

• Douglas Murray [73:45]: "The Jews can be blamed for everything and just have been historically."

• Douglas Murray [57:42]: "It's not about just liking life or enjoying life. If you're going to enjoy life, you have to be willing to fight for it."

• Douglas Murray [97:38]: "I just don't think it pays to spend very much time thinking about what other people think about you."

Final Thoughts

In this compelling episode, Douglas Murray provides a sobering analysis of contemporary societal issues, rooted in his extensive observations from war zones and political landscapes. He challenges listeners to rethink prevailing narratives, embrace cultural pride, and recognize the fragile balance holding modern democracies together. Through his expertise and firsthand experiences, Murray elucidates the complex factors contributing to the world's perceived descent into chaos, offering both critique and pathways to resilience.