“Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment"

Dr. Fukuyama delves into the core ideas of his recent book, Identity, during his seminar. The central theme revolves around the demand for recognition of one's identity, which serves as a pivotal concept uniting various global political dynamics. In liberal democracies, the traditional foundation of universal recognition is being challenged by more narrow forms of identity based on factors such as nation, religion, sect, race, ethnicity, or gender. This shift has given rise to phenomena like anti-immigrant populism, the politicization of Islam, the contentious landscape of "identity liberalism" on college campuses, and the emergence of white nationalism. Contrary to the belief that populist nationalism is solely rooted in economic motivations, Fukuyama argues that it fundamentally stems from the demand for recognition. Economic solutions alone cannot satisfy this demand. He contends that the demand for identity is an intrinsic aspect of human nature that cannot be transcended; rather, it needs to be consciously shaped in a manner that supports, rather than undermines, the principles of democracy. This seminar explores the intricate relationship between identity, politics, and the challenges faced by liberal democracies in the contemporary global landscape.