#5: Sean Speer - The Intersection of Pluralism, Conservatism, and Modern Society

The Intersection of Pluralism, Conservatism, and Modern Society with Sean Speer In this insightful episode, we are joined by Sean Speer, a prominent lecturer at the Munk School of Public Policy and Editor at Large at The Hub, to explore the complex landscape of Canadian conservatism and its intersections with pluralism, liberalism, and modern societal challenges. Sean discusses the significance of pluralism in his political worldview, the nuanced differences in conservatism across cultures, and the impact of figures like Donald Trump on conservative politics. He touches on the challenges and opportunities of preserving Canada's cultural heritage in the face of changing demographics and political ideologies, and delves into topics such as populism, techno-conservatism, and the distinctiveness of North American conservatism. This episode also examines the roles of institutions and political leaders in guiding a psychologically and socially healthy society in today's world. https://thehub.ca/section/podcast-video/ 00:00 Introduction to Pluralism and Conservatism 01:07 Welcoming Sean Speer 01:49 Defining Conservatism in Canada 04:16 Trump and American Conservatism 07:26 Canada's Identity and Trudeau's Post-National State 13:00 Challenges of Pluralism and Society 20:42 Economic Determinism and Cultural Shifts 27:54 The Role of Religion and Myth in Society 39:21 Conservatism and Institutional Capacity 47:41 Populism, Tech Conservatism, and Canadian Identity 52:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com