The American Compass Podcast A New Conservatism with Matthew Continetti
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May 30, 2025 Matthew Continetti, a prominent voice on American conservatism and author of 'The Right,' dives into the evolution of the Republican Party. He explores how today's New Right compares to past realignments under Reagan and Buckley. Continetti discusses Trump's unique impact on modern conservatism, emphasizing his distinctiveness from earlier leaders. The conversation also touches on the future of the GOP, the tensions between traditional and populist factions, and the response of a younger Republican base to shifting dynamics in media and politics.
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Post-Cold War GOP Shift
- The post-Cold War conservatism was globalist, supporting American leadership, free trade, and generally legal immigration.
- This form persisted from 1992 to 2016 before being replaced by a new Republican coalition under Trump.
Reaganism's Complex Legacy
- The conservative claim to Reaganism post-Cold War was partly a reinterpretation rather than a full faithful application.
- Neo-Reaganism emphasized patriotism and American leadership but overlooked Reagan's more complex, cautious foreign interventions.
Reagan's Democratic Vision
- Reagan supported democracy broadly, emphasizing infrastructure beyond elections like labor unions and free press.
- Unlike later conservatives, he did not frame U.S. foreign policy around ending tyranny globally.
