2017 The Road To Somewhere(The New Tribes Shaping British Politics) - David Goodhart(Penguin)

**"The Road to Somewhere: The New Tribes Shaping British Politics"** is a non-fiction book by **David Goodhart**, published by **Penguin** in 2017. In this work, Goodhart explores the growing social and political divide in Britain, offering a new framework for understanding contemporary political conflicts.

### Overview:
In **"The Road to Somewhere,"** Goodhart argues that the key political divide in Britain—and in much of the Western world—is not between the traditional left and right, but between two emerging "tribes" that he calls the **"Somewheres"** and the **"Anywheres."**

- **Somewheres**: Represented by people with a strong sense of local or national identity, the Somewheres are more rooted in their place of origin, tend to be more socially conservative, and feel left behind by rapid economic and cultural changes. They are often less educated, come from working-class or lower-middle-class backgrounds, and are skeptical of globalization, immigration, and the liberal values that dominate elite institutions.

- **Anywheres**: In contrast, the Anywheres are more educated, mobile, and comfortable with change, whether economic, social, or cultural. They tend to hold liberal, progressive views, support globalization, and are more likely to work in knowledge-based industries. They prioritize individualism and meritocracy and are often detached from strong local or national identities.

### Themes:
1. **Cultural Divide**: Goodhart argues that the Brexit vote and other political upheavals in the UK can be understood through this cultural divide between Somewheres and Anywheres. The Somewheres, who felt their values and communities were being undermined, were more likely to support Brexit, while the Anywheres generally favored remaining in the EU.

2. **Globalization and National Identity**: Goodhart examines how globalization, free movement of people, and rapid technological change have created a sense of displacement and disconnection for many Somewheres, who feel that their way of life is under threat. This conflict is not just about economics but also about identity, belonging, and values.

3. **Meritocracy and Elitism**: The rise of meritocracy, according to Goodhart, has led to a political class dominated by the Anywheres, who prioritize individual success and are often disconnected from the experiences and concerns of the Somewheres. This elitism, he argues, fuels populism and political unrest.

4. **Populism and Political Realignment**: Goodhart suggests that the political landscape in Britain is shifting from traditional party lines to a new realignment based on the values of Somewheres and Anywheres. The success of populist movements and politicians can be seen as a response to the dominance of Anywhere values in political, cultural, and media institutions.

### Reception:
"The Road to Somewhere" was widely discussed for its timely analysis of post-Brexit Britain and the growing tensions between different social groups. Some praised Goodhart for offering a fresh perspective on British politics and for shedding light on the concerns of those who feel marginalized by globalization and liberalism.

However, critics of the book argued that the binary distinction between Somewheres and Anywheres oversimplifies complex social dynamics. Others felt that Goodhart's analysis focused too much on cultural and identity-based explanations for political divisions while downplaying economic factors.

### Significance:
Goodhart's **"The Road to Somewhere"** has become an influential work in understanding contemporary British politics, especially in the wake of Brexit and the rise of populism. It provides a framework for thinking about how cultural and identity issues are reshaping the political landscape, not just in the UK but also in other Western democracies.

The book remains a relevant contribution to discussions about identity, belonging, and political division in an increasingly globalized and polarized world.