Saltwater Liberals: How the Coasts Shape America's Progressive Identity A sharp, thought-provoking exploration of why America’s East and West Coasts have become the epicenters of liberal and progressive thought. Saltwater Liberals unpacks the history, politics, culture, and economic forces that define coastal influence—and the growing divide with the heartland. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the tech campuses of Silicon Valley, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States are not just geographic borders — they are cultural powerhouses, economic engines, and ideological epicenters. Saltwater Liberals dives deep into the political, historical, and philosophical roots of America's coastal progressivism and examines its far-reaching influence on the nation. In this compelling and timely work, author Bradford Smith explores why the East and West Coasts have long been bastions of liberal and progressive thought — and how that identity has evolved, intensified, and clashed with the more conservative values of inland America. With rich storytelling, incisive analysis, and a blend of data, history, and lived experience, Saltwater Liberals offers a sweeping portrait of two coasts that shape not only America’s policies and economy but also its culture, education, and sense of morality. Through twelve thematic chapters, Smith traces the rise of coastal liberalism from its Enlightenment-era roots and countercultural revolutions to today’s high-tech activism, blue-state policies, and “woke capitalism.” He unpacks the roles of elite universities, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Wall Street, media empires, and the professional class in crafting a distinctly progressive worldview that’s increasingly global, inclusive, and future-oriented — yet often accused of being elitist, disconnected, or extreme by its critics. Key questions explored in Saltwater Liberals include: Why do America’s coastal cities dominate in education, innovation, and media? - What historical movements and philosophies birthed today’s liberal strongholds? - How do urbanization, diversity, and higher education reinforce progressive values? - What role do social movements and cultural norms play in pushing national change? - Are liberal coasts leading the way — or leaving the rest of the country behind? Smith also examines the backlash: the red-state resistance, the rise of populism, and the deepening divides that define 21st-century American politics. With empathy and intellectual curiosity, he gives voice to critics and champions alike — including students, workers, educators, immigrants, politicians, and coastal expats now living in conservative regions. This book is not a partisan screed or a culture war manifesto. Rather, it’s an invitation to understand the forces that have shaped the modern American Left, why so much of it is rooted in saltwater territory, and what that means for the country’s future. Perfect for readers of The Righteous Mind , Hillbilly Elegy , American Nations , and Thank You for Your Servitude , Saltwater Liberals is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the power — and the limits — of coastal progressivism.