
Bob Murphy Show Ep. 469 David Brady Jr on the NEW Neoconservatives
Dec 3, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, David Brady Jr, a writer and economics student specializing in foreign policy and the American right, delves into the evolution of neoconservatism. He traces its origins from Trotskyism to the Bush era, highlighting key figures like Douglas Murray and James Lindsay as modern gatekeepers. Brady critiques contemporary 'woke baiting' tactics and the impact of credentialism among the managerial class. He also explores how institutional incentives shape the rise of new neoconservatives, discussing political dynamics in today's media landscape.
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Neoconservatives’ Leftist Origins
- Many early neoconservatives originated in the radical left, especially Trotskyite circles, before shifting rightward.
- Their leftist roots shaped enduring beliefs about managerial power and the acceptability of a large state.
Acceptance Of The Managerial State
- Second-generation neoconservatives often accepted a permanent managerial or welfare state while focusing on foreign-policy dominance.
- James Burnham exemplified this: disillusioned with Soviet communism, he defended a victorious managerial state rather than small government.
New Neoconservatives As Gatekeepers
- Modern 'intellectual dark web' figures (e.g., Douglas Murray, James Lindsay) are framed as the new neoconservatives defending managerial institutions.
- Their shift often began as disgust with progressive social trends, then pivoted to gatekeeping the right on foreign policy.






