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Conservatism Inc: The Battle for the American Right

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Conservatism Inc.: The Battle for the American Right

by James Kirkpatrick

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1485 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	250 pages

The American conservative movement is undergoing a period of intense ideological turmoil. The traditional pillars of conservatism—limited government, free markets, and a strong defense—are under attack from both the left and the right. A new breed of conservative, known as "Conservatism Inc," has emerged, embracing a more interventionist approach to government and a more tolerant view of social issues.

This shift has caused a deep divide within the conservative movement. Traditionalists, who believe that conservatism should remain true to its core principles, are alarmed by the rise of Conservatism Inc. Populists, on the other hand, see Conservatism Inc as a betrayal of the working class. The battle for the future of the American right is now underway.

The Rise of Conservatism Inc

Conservatism Inc is a term coined by journalist David Frum to describe a group of conservative intellectuals and activists who emerged in the 1990s. These individuals, such as William Kristol and Robert Kagan, believed that the Republican Party needed to abandon its traditional commitment to small government and social conservatism in order to win back the White House. They argued that the party needed to appeal to a broader range of voters, including moderates and even some liberals.

Conservatism Inc was a major force behind the rise of George W. Bush, who was elected president in 2000. Bush embraced the ideas of Conservatism Inc, and his administration pursued a more interventionist foreign policy and a more moderate approach to social issues. The result was a period of relative prosperity and stability for the United States.

However, the rise of Conservatism Inc also sowed the seeds of its own demise. The 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent Great Recession led to a loss of faith in the government's ability to manage the economy. At the same time, the Iraq War and the War on Terror alienated many conservatives who felt that the United States was overextending itself militarily. This backlash against Conservatism Inc paved the way for the rise of traditionalism and populism.

The Backlash against Conservatism Inc

The backlash against Conservatism Inc took two main forms: traditionalism and populism. Traditionalists, such as Pat Buchanan and Phyllis Schlafly, argued that the Republican Party had abandoned its core principles. They called for a return to the traditional conservative values of limited government, free markets, and a strong defense. Populists, such as Donald Trump and Sarah Palin, appealed to the economic anxieties of the working class. They argued that the government needed to do more to protect American jobs and that the United States needed to be more assertive in its dealings with other countries.

The rise of traditionalism and populism has been a major challenge to Conservatism Inc. Traditionalists and populists have argued that Conservatism Inc is out of touch with the values of ordinary Americans. They have accused Conservatism Inc of being too cozy with big business and the establishment. As a result, Conservatism Inc has lost ground within the Republican Party. Traditionalists and populists now control the party's platform and its messaging.

The Future of the American Right

The battle for the future of the American right is still underway. Traditionalists, populists, and Conservatism Inc are all vying for control of the Republican Party. It is unclear which side will emerge victorious. However, one thing is clear: the American conservative movement is at a crossroads. The traditional pillars of conservatism are under attack, and the future of the movement is uncertain.

The American conservative movement is undergoing a period of intense ideological turmoil. The traditional pillars of conservatism are under attack from both the left and the right. A new breed of conservative, known as "Conservatism Inc," has emerged, embracing a more interventionist approach to government and a more tolerant view of social issues. The rise of Conservatism Inc has caused a deep divide within the conservative movement, and the battle for the future of the American right is now underway.

Conservatism Inc.: The Battle for the American Right

by James Kirkpatrick

4.3 out of 5