Until a few years ago, British political scientist Matthew Goodwin presented himself as an intellectual foe of the authoritarian right. But gradually he began to metamorphose.

 

Matthew Goodwin’s shift from an academic studying the far-right to a, often described, populist commentator is attributed to a combination of ideological shifts following the 2016 Brexit referendum, a desire for a higher media profile, and financial incentives from his Substack. Critics suggest his focus moved to amplifying right-wing narratives.

 

Key factors in this shift include:

• Post-Brexit Realignment: Following the 2016 Brexit vote and Trump's election, Goodwin transitioned from a researcher of populism to a vocal advocate for the populist right, argues James Ball and Wikipedia.
• Reaction to "Liberal Left": Goodwin publicly expressed frustration with the "liberal left" for insulting Brexit voters, leading him to defend and adopt a more right-wing, anti-elite stance, notes Wikipedia.
• "Going Native" and Media Profile: Some analysts suggest he "went native," becoming an insider for the movements he used to research, and pursued a higher media profile through inflammatory, high-engagement content on immigration, according to YouTube and Prospect Magazine.
• Financial Incentives: His move to Substack is seen as a driver to produce more populist-oriented content to increase readership, says YouTube.
• Prior to this shift, Goodwin was known as a researcher studying the far-right, including work for the University of Nottingham.