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Author: BAGEHOT
One of the most popular interpretations of modern politics is that it is increasingly defined, not as left versus right, but as open versus closed. Open means supporting economic openness (immigration and free trade) and cultural openness (LGBT and other minorities). Closed means being hostile to these things.
The Economist Cover Article 30 July 2016. This distinction is backed by a new think tank, aptly called Global Futures, which commissioned a poll showing that the most striking political divide is between open-minded and closed-minded voters, and that it is also a generational divide. On whether immigration is a force for good, the gap between 18- to 44-year-olds and those over 45 is 51 percentage points. On multiculturalism, the EU and overseas aid, the gaps are 48%, 60% and 53% respectively.
Clearly, the argument is persuasive. Donald Trump won the US presidential election by pitching his “America First” nationalism against Hillary Clinton’s globalism. He recently made good on his protectionist promises, announcing that he would raise tariffs on steel and aluminum, except for friendly countries like Canada and Mexico. Brexit won the 2016 referendum by pitching “taking back control from the EU.”
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