Historian Joshua Tait discusses the American Right's roots in anti-democratic thought, from John C. Calhoun to 1950s conservatives. They explore Calhoun's influence on modern conservatism, views on majority rule, and a conservative writer's unique style.
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Quick takeaways
John C. Calhoun's influence on modern conservative views regarding minority rights and majority rule.
Willmoore Kendall's majoritarian perspective highlighting the importance of local deliberative majorities in democracy.
James Burnham's anti-democratic stance critiquing democracy as a facade for elite manipulation and advocating for juridical defenses against majority rule.
Deep dives
Joshua Tate's Background and Expertise in American Conservatism
Joshua Tate, a historian of American conservatism with a PhD in US history, was the guest on episode 33. His dissertation focuses on conservative intellectuals within the American political tradition. Tate's research delves into figures like Wilmore Kendall and John C. Calhoun, highlighting their impact on post-war conservatism. Through his works on National Review personalities, Tate provides insights into the origins of contemporary conservative debates around majority rule and democracy.
The Influence and Legacy of John C. Calhoun on Conservative Thought
John C. Calhoun, known for his strong opposition to majority rule and advocacy for minority rights, serves as a significant figure shaping conservative perspectives on governance. His emphasis on nullification and defense of slavery influences modern conservative reflections on the balance between majority decisions and minority protections. Calhoun's theories, including his creation of the filibuster, are echoed in current debates on preserving minority interests within democratic systems.
Wilmore Kendall's Majoritarian Philosophy and Democratic Dilemmas
Wilmore Kendall, a notable intellectual at Yale and a critical teacher to conservative figures like Bill Buckley, holds a unique majoritarian perspective rooted in local deliberative majorities. Kendall's views on authentic democracy emphasize a balance between local and national representation, critiquing the imposition of national-level governance over local deliberations. His writings reveal a tension between a commitment to democratic processes and a resistance to perceived encroachments on local autonomy.
James Burnham's Skepticism Towards Democracy and Elite Oligarchy Theory
James Burnham, a senior editor at National Review and intellectual heavyweight, offers a starkly contrasting view to Kendall's democratic leanings. Burnham's skepticism towards democracy centers on the notion of an elite oligarchy driving societal dynamics, viewing democracy as a facade for elite manipulation. His perspectives challenge Kendall's emphasis on local majorities, advocating a more critical assessment of democratic structures and the influence of elite factions within governance.
Burnham's Anti-Democratic Views and Juridical Defenses Against Democracy
James Burnham, a prominent figure in modern American conservatism, held deeply anti-democratic views believing democracy led to tyranny. He argued that the American Constitution had built-in anti-democratic measures to counter the dangers of democracy devolving into centralized rule by the majority. Burnham advocated for what he termed as 'juridical defenses against democracy' within the American tradition, suggesting that liberal critiques and movements like McCarthyism had eroded these safeguards, especially under Roosevelt's presidency.
Conservative Debate on Anti-Democratic Leanings and Contextual Usage
Conservative thought, influenced by figures like Wilmore Kendall and James Burnham, exhibits a nuanced relationship with anti-democratic sentiments. While some conservatives deploy anti-democratic rhetoric contextually to exclude specific groups from the political process, there remains an internal tension within conservatism. The adherence to anti-democratic principles fluctuates based on present political needs rather than a coherent ideological foundation. This blend of majoritarian and anti-majoritarian impulses reflects a pragmatic approach within conservatism towards opposing liberalism and aligning against perceived threats to traditional values.
In this follow-up episode to "Democracy and Its Discontents" (listen here), historian Joshua Tait joins Matt and Sam for a conversation about the intellectual origins of the American Right's hostility to democracy—from John C. Calhoun's invention of the filibuster in the nineteenth century to the writings of conservatives like Russell Kirk, James Burnham, Willmoore Kendall, and others, in the 1950s and '60s.
