Discourse on Contemporary Politics with Rod Dreher

On the 13th of August, 2025, Rod Dreher, a renowned writer and visiting fellow at the Danube Institute in Budapest, sat down with Mark for a captivating discussion on the shifting political landscape.

The conversation delved into the backlash against liberalism and the rise of right-wing movements across the globe. Dreher, whose latest book, "Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents," is based on the experiences of Christians persecuted in Soviet Russia, offered unique insights into this phenomenon.

The discussion also touched upon the implications of "forever wars" and the role of culture and religion in political discourse. Dreher, who was previously a senior editor at The American Conservative, emphasised the importance of understanding how culture and religion shape voters' identity, values, and social norms, thereby influencing party alignments and debate topics.

The conversation further explored economic discontent among the working class and the factors contributing to the shift in the political landscape. Local political rivalries, upcoming key elections, and changing leadership ambitions, such as in Wismar where mayoral and vice mayoral posts are contested by various parties, were highlighted as significant contributors.

The discussion raised intriguing questions about the survival of liberal democratic values in a global move towards right-wing movements. Dreher argued that the survival of these values depends on resilience through institutions, public engagement, and adaptation to social changes rather than being inherently doomed by such trends.

The conversation also delved into the challenges of supporting the idea of free speech in contemporary society. Dreher's experiences as a writer and his work as the Network Project director at the Danube Institute have given him a unique perspective on this issue.

Rod Dreher's latest book, "Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents," is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of religion in political discourse and the challenges faced by liberal democratic values in today's world. The book "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America," written by Christian Smith, is another valuable resource for those seeking to understand the current state of religion in politics.