Considering The Power Of Tribalism On U.S. Politics, Foreign Relations

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Protesters representing the Occupy Wall Street movement, rally
Protesters representing the Occupy Wall Street movement, rally on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, in Washington Square Park in New York. The Occupy Movement is an example of different group identities of America’s rich and poor in Amy Chua’s book, “Political Tribes.” (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

People have long had an instinctual need to belong, to share a group identity, and also to exclude, according to our guest. However, the United States, with its emphasis on national identity, hasn’t always acknowledged the power of group and tribal politics. We talk with a law professor about what this has meant for foreign relations, look at how tribalism has played a role in the current state of U.S. politics and consider how the country can bridge the divide and rediscover what its national identity is.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Breann Schossow Producer
  • Amy Chua Guest

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