The Political Ramifications of Banishing the Strong Gods
Building upon the social consequences discussed in the previous post, R. R. Reno delves into the political fallout resulting from the banishment of the strong gods. According to Reno, the Cold War era managed to mitigate some of the destabilizing effects of removing these strong gods, as the looming threat of Russian communism fostered a sense of solidarity and unity in the Western world.
However, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the floodgates were opened to what Reno describes as “utopian ideals of openness.” This push for unfettered openness and borderlessness, while well-intentioned, erodes the sense of community and shared identity within a society. Without clear borders and a sense of exclusivity, the bonds that hold a nation together begin to fray, leading to a loss of loyalty and purpose among the citizenry.
This void in community cohesion has fueled the rise of populism, as citizens feel increasingly alienated from their political leaders who seem disconnected from the needs and concerns of the populace. This sense of abandonment and disdain from the ruling class has created fertile ground for populist movements to gain traction, with leaders like Trump in the US and anti-establishment figures in Europe tapping into this discontent.
Another significant political consequence highlighted by Reno is the emergence of identity politics. In the absence of strong national identities and loyalties, individuals seek belonging and solidarity through alternative means such as race, sex, or sexual orientation. This fractious identity politics, fueled by grievances and moral outrage, further fragments society and prevents the formation of shared civil projects.
Reno warns that the postwar consensus, with its emphasis on openness and diversity, inadvertently fosters the growth of both multicultural nihilism on the left and white nationalist populism on the right. The rejection of traditional values and the elevation of individual identity over collective unity only serve to exacerbate societal divisions and fuel extremist ideologies.
Ultimately, Reno posits that the banishment of the strong gods has left a void that destructive movements like populism and identity politics have rushed in to fill. To address this fundamental human need for shared loyalty and purpose, Reno argues that a return to the strong gods is necessary. In the upcoming post, we will explore Reno’s vision for reintroducing these strong gods and the potential implications for society.
