Jonah Goldberg critiques the New Right's adoption of Gramscian tactics, warning that such strategies risk compromising traditional conservative values.
The podcast emphasizes the necessity for conservatives to counter bad ideas with good ones rather than imitating adversarial tactics historically associated with the left.
Deep dives
Gramsci and the Long March through Institutions
Antonio Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony and his association with the phrase 'long march through the institutions' is examined, noting that Gramsci himself never coined this term. Instead, it originated with Rudi Dutschke, a German socialist who advocated for a gradual transformation from within elite institutions to influence societal norms. The irony lies in the fact that while conservatives have adopted this phrase, its roots and implications do not support a conservative agenda. Gramsci's ideas have both an intellectual heritage and a complex legacy that should be contextualized to understand their influence on contemporary political discourse.
The New Right's Gramscian Turn
The discussion delves into the New Right's embrace of Gramscian tactics as a strategy to regain control over cultural institutions dominated by leftist ideologies. Activists like Chris Rufo advocate for a bold, aggressive approach to reshape narratives and public opinion, likening it to the left’s successful cultural maneuvers. Critics argue that this approach risks adopting illiberal means to achieve ostensibly liberal ends, a concern supported by historical references to figures like Saul Alinsky. The tension between maintaining a liberal ethos while engaging in combative political tactics raises important questions about the future of conservative principles.
Intellectuals and Political Power Dynamics
The importance of intellectuals in wielding power is scrutinized, highlighting how Gramsci's theories elevated the role of academics in redefining societal values. This idea resonates with contemporary radical thinkers who seek relevance in a society they perceive as dominated by faulty liberalism. The podcast argues that merely drawing inspiration from past leftist strategies counters conservative ideals, emphasizing that bad ideas must be countered with good ones rather than simply mimicking adversarial tactics. The interplay between political theory and practical governance illustrates a critical crossroads for conservatives, prompting reflection on their ideological trajectory.
Challenges of the New Right's Strategy
Concerns are raised about the New Right’s apparent disregard for traditional liberal values as it assumes a more combative posture against perceived enemies. Instances of dehumanization and calls for illiberal approaches within the New Right movement threaten the foundational principles of a free society. Critics assert that adopting tactics from historical adversaries compromises the integrity of conservative ideology, leading to a cycle where power becomes paramount over principle. Ultimately, the conversation reflects the broader struggle within contemporary conservatism to reconcile activism with the preservation of a healthy liberal republic.
Jonah Goldberg responds to Christopher Rufo and his fight to "to recapture the regime and entrench our ideas in the public sphere," using 20th-century Marxist Antonio Gramsci's ideas. This is a bonus Ruminant –– expect your regular Saturday Goldberg variation to arrive at the normal time.
