Sam Adler-Bell and Matt Sitman, co-hosts of the Know Your Enemy podcast, dive into Donald Trump's role in conservative history. They discuss whether Trump is a revolutionary figure or the natural evolution of conservatism. The conversation covers the resurgence of neoconservatism post-9/11 and its consequences, the impact of the Cold War on conservative unity, and the rise of the religious right. They also explore how Trump's appeal reflects both a transformation in conservative thought and the challenges posed to traditional values.
Anti-communism was a foundational element in American conservatism, uniting diverse groups around shared opposition during the Cold War.
Donald Trump's agenda reflects a significant shift in conservatism toward isolationism and nativism, resonating with older protectionist ideologies.
Deep dives
The Role of Anti-Communism in Cold War Conservatism
Anti-communism served as the unifying force within American conservatism during the Cold War era, bringing together diverse groups ranging from free market libertarians to religious conservatives. This shared opposition against communism influenced the ideals and policies of the time, with figures like Milton Friedman and Jerry Falwell embracing anti-communist rhetoric to solidify their place within the political landscape. The conservative philosophy developed during this period emphasized fusionism, merging free market values, strong defense policies, and traditional moral stances, which defined the Republican Party's approach for decades. Consequently, conservatism became characterized by its response to international conflicts and its branding as a protector of American ideals against perceived socialist threats.
The Rise of the Religious Right
The emergence of the religious right in the late 1970s significantly reshaped the political terrain, especially during Ronald Reagan's presidency. Organizations like the Moral Majority mobilized evangelicals to vote on moral issues, effectively turning them into a dedicated voting bloc for the Republican Party. The religious right's influence was not solely based on abortion; it also stemmed from resistance to changes in racial integration and social norms, particularly in response to feminism and LGBTQ+ visibility. This movement became essential to the political strategy for the Republican Party, culminating in Reagan’s victories in the 1980s, as it provided a grassroots base that organized against perceived threats to traditional American values.
Contemporary Conservatism and Trump's Influence
The political landscape has evolved, particularly post-Cold War, leading to the resurgence of more isolationist and nativist elements within conservatism, epitomized by Donald Trump's agenda. Trump's rhetoric around immigration, trade, and foreign policy resonates with earlier conservative ideologies that prioritized America-first principles, diverging from the globalist approaches of the neoconservative era. The discontent stemming from past Republican administrations' failures, particularly during the Iraq War, facilitated Trump's rise as he galvanized traditional conservative populism through media and public persona. This redefinition of conservatism reflects a broader shift in American politics, where historical complexities are being revisited, aligning current movements with older ideologies of protectionism and skepticism toward immigration.
People talk about Donald Trump as a singular figure. A one-of-a-kind politician who's made conservative history in the U.S. But where exactly does Trump fit in conservative history? In what eras does he stand on common ground? What are the big differences? Is he a revolutionary figure or a natural evolution of the movement?
To work though that, we've got Sam Adler-Bell and Matt Sitman. They are the hosts of the Know Your Enemy podcast, which explores the underpinnings of contemporary conservatism.
