Eric Kaufmann on Immigration, Identity, and the Limits of Individualism

Going back and forth between Canada and Japan during his childhood sparked Eric Kaufmann's interest in the question of identity. As a foreigner in an international school, he encountered young individuals from at least 60 other countries, and this made him think more about national identity and how people affiliate and interact with one another. Now as an academic, he explores how demographic changes — most notably caused by ethnic migration and assimilation — are the key to understanding Brexit, Trump, and pretty much every major issue du jour.

Kauffman's latest book Whiteshift, which examines how declining white ethnic majorities will respond to these changes, is on Tyler's list as one of the best books of the year. The two discuss the book and more, including Orangeism in Northern Ireland, Switzerland's secret for stability, what Tocqueville got most wrong about America, predictions on Brexit's final form, why Portugal seems immune to populism, how Notre Dame should be rebuilt, whether the Amish — or Mormons — will take over the world, and much more.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded May 28th, 2019

Other ways to connect

• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
• Follow Tyler on Twitter
• Follow Eric on Twitter
• Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu
• Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.