Novara FM: Know Your Enemies w/ Matthew Sitman & Sam Adler-Bell
May 10, 2024
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Expert guides on US conservatism, Sam Adler-Bell and Matthew Sitman from Know Your Enemy, discuss the differences between US and UK conservatism, the impact of Trump's presidency, the evolution of conservative factions post-World War II, the intersection of wealth and isolationism in conservative politics, and reassessing the UK-US special relationship post-Brexit. They also analyze the rise of a right-wing special relationship and provide insights on UK and US election predictions.
US and UK conservatism differ in roots and approaches, influenced by historical factions and ideological battles.
Shift towards authoritarian principles on the right emphasizes moral enforcement against internal and external 'enemies'.
Interplay between nationalist and post-liberal ideologies blurs, reshaping conservative movements and alliances.
Deep dives
US and UK National Elections Analysis
As the UK and US gear up for national elections in 2024, the political landscape reveals a struggle between hawkish centrism and right-wing parties veering further right. In the UK, the Tory party faces electoral annihilation amidst a cost of living crisis and failed Brexit promises. In the US, Donald Trump and Joe Biden neck-to-neck in polls, with Trump embroiled in legal troubles. Understanding transatlantic conservatism today and its factions is crucial as elections approach.
Evolution of Post-War Right and Conservative Factions
The post-war conservative movement birthed various factions internally struggling for dominance, shaping US conservatism's roots. Divisions on foreign policy between neoconservatives and paleo-conservatives reflect long-standing ideological battles. The fusionist consensus of traditionalist and libertarian conservatism, bridged by the Cold War, now faces fragmentation post-Trump, revealing underlying fissures within American conservatism.
State Power and Moral Ends in Modern Right-Wing Ideology
A significant ideological shift is seen on the right, where state power is increasingly wielded for moral ends against internal adversaries. There is a departure from traditional libertarian stances, emphasizing the enforcement of a conservative moral orthodoxy. The narrative accentuates internal 'enemies' like transgender individuals and external forces facilitating perceived threats, exemplifying a shift towards authoritarian principles.
Influence and Intellectual Circles of Modern Right-Wing Networks
The contemporary right embraces nationalistic, populist ideologies aligning with figures like Victor Orban, advocating state influence to enforce conservative moral values. Intellectual connections between the US and UK right evolve, with growing affinity towards nationalist and post-liberal agendas. The interplay between far-right ideas and mainstream conservatism blurs, fostering nuanced intellectual dialogues shaping modern right-wing agendas.
The Shift in Conservative Thought and Strategy
Conservative institutions like the Heritage Foundation have adapted their strategies to align with the Trumpian populist movement, showing a shift away from traditional conservative ideologies. The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 aims to unite different factions within the right, signaling a departure from previous conservative norms. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics and alliances within the conservative movement, emphasizing the need to redefine strategies to accommodate the changing political landscape.
Differences in Party Discipline and Strategy Between US and UK
Party discipline in the American political system is notably weaker compared to the UK, impacting the ability to enforce ideological unity and policy coherence within political parties. Initiatives like Project 2025 by conservative institutions aim to credential ideological loyalists for executive positions, showcasing a distinct approach to shaping policy and governance. In contrast to the US, the UK's civil service traditionally acts as a bulwark against rapid ideological changes, highlighting differing mechanisms for political stability and governance between the two countries.
George Bernard Shaw once joked that the US and the UK are “two countries divided by a common language.” Can the same be said of their conservatives? As we brace for a joint election year, Eleanor Penny talks to Sam Adler-Bell and Matthew Sitman, two expert guides to US conservatism via their podcast Know Your […]
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