Somewheres Versus Anywheres

'Populism' is driven by two previously hidden value groups, rather than class or political divides, says a new UK analysis

A student walks through St John's College in Cambridge, England, on March 13, 2012. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

BIRMINGHAM, England—A clash between two hidden groups with different identities and values is driving the wave of so-called populism in much of the West, according to new book published in March.

“People from Somewhere versus people from Anywhere” is a new concept that some commentators believe will permeate the United Kingdom’s national conversation for years. The contest between these groups likely added fuel to the wave of nationalism in Europe, the U.K.’s exit from the European Union, and the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The labels for the two groups come from the new book “The Road to Somewhere: The Populist Revolt and the Future of Politics.”

Author David Goodhart says society has increasingly been shaped by a group of people whose identity and self-worth is not tied to place, but rather to their achievements and position: the Anywheres. That domination is now being challenged by the Somewheres: people whose identity and worth is rooted in place and attachment to a group

Anywheres are suspicious of group attachments.

— David Goodhart, author of 'The Road to Somewhere'