Successor ideology
Successor ideology is a term coined by essayist Wesley Yang to describe what he sees as a new current in liberal and left‑wing politics in the United States, Canada, and parts of Western Europe. He argues it centers on intersectionality, social justice, identity politics, and anti‑racism, and that it erodes traditional liberal values like pluralism, free speech, color blindness, and free inquiry by policing ideas and enforcing conformity.
Proponents link this movement to a growing intolerance of opposing views, cancel culture, and what they call “wokeness” or social justice activism. Yang describes it as “authoritarian utopianism that masquerades as liberal humanism while taking over from within” and says it has moved into influence on campuses and other institutions.
The idea drew attention around 2020–2021. Some commentators, such as Roger Berkowitz, connected it to a broader retreat of liberalism worldwide, facing challenges from both the left (the successor ideology) and the illiberal right. Matt Taibbi called the ideas associated with the successor ideology toxic and unattractive.
Critics say the term doesn’t accurately describe left‑wing trends or that it’s a reactionary label. The term originated in a March 2019 Twitter thread where Yang argued about diversity in college admissions and the professional‑managerial class, and he expanded on it in later posts and a 2021 blog. He has discussed the idea on podcasts.
Other writers offer differing views. Sarah Jeong argues the term muddies the issue, suggesting it’s not a single ideology but a vague social force with religious overtones. Osita Nwanevu contends that those labeled with the term are actually defending and expanding liberalism, while their opponents are the ones who act illiberally.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 09:54 (CET).