## Notes from 20 April 2026 [[2026-04-19|← Previous note]] ┃ [[2026-04-21|Next note →]] I read [this piece](https://sfhwebb.substack.com/p/woke-entryism) on the always provocative Substack _Wallenstein's Camp_, written by [[Stephen Webb]] on February 27, 2026. The article examines the persistent nature of identity politics within British institutions and proposes a tactical shift in how to address the phenomenon. The **diagnosis** suggests that while the loudest phase of the "culture war" may have peaked, "woke" or identity politics remains deeply embedded in the system. Webb identifies a vocal minority of "Progressive Activists" (making up only 13% of the population; according to [[More in Common]] research) who dominate online discourse and gravitate toward non-elected institutional roles in HR, regulatory bodies, and the public sector. This is not a centralized conspiracy but rather a natural alignment of this group’s preferences for roles that set narratives and exercise institutional power. Consequently, a stark divide has emerged where public sector workers often hold views significantly more radical than the general public they serve. Regarding the **prognosis**, Webb advocates for abandoning the inflammatory "culture war" rhetoric, which risks alienating the general public, in favor of a "scalpel" approach. This strategy involves quiet, technical administrative reforms: granting Ministers greater power to set strategic directions, auditing the ideological "blind spots" of departments, and using fiscal crises as an opportunity to trim bloated HR teams and DEI spending. I partially agree with his points because, as a principle, I believe organizations must have cognitive diversity, which necessarily includes ideological diversity. I agree with the need for the "scalpel" over the "axe," particularly regarding DEI's quiet embedding in public policy. That said, even the best top-down reforms will hit a ceiling if we don't address the supply-side of the equation. Currently, there is a massive asymmetry in career preferences; progressive activists are often the most willing to accept lower pay in exchange for "social impact" in HR, NGOs, and education. If we want to see true cognitive diversity, we can't just rely on ministerial mandates; we need to create the pipelines that funnel different perspectives into these institutions. It requires a long-term strategy of leadership programs and networking to ensure there's actually a "supply" of qualified, non-activist professionals ready to fill those roles. Reclaiming institutional balance will not be quick or easy, as it has to be more than just a demand-side fix.