Political scientist Yascha Mounk introduces what he calls 'the identity synthesis' – a growing left-wing movement focused on identity groups – and explains how it could result in greater division than equality.

We all belong to various identity groups according to our gender, sexual orientation, race, and other identifying factors.

While some think that championing identity groups will create fairer societies, it could have the opposite effect.

Yascha Mounk is a political scientist and author whose previous work has analyzed the rise of right-wing populism and extreme far-right movements.

In his 2024 book The Identity Trap, Mounk explores a new form of leftist progressivism, explaining how its focus on identity groups could worsen division and inequality in our societies.

Mounk is an Associate Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins University.