Apocalypse Now | Interview: Ross Douthat

In 'Liberal Fascism', Jonah Goldberg presents a controversial argument that fascist movements were and are rooted in left-wing ideologies. He contends that the original fascists, including Mussolini and Hitler, were on the left and that their policies and principles share similarities with those of modern liberal progressives. Goldberg explores how fascist elements, such as statism, eugenic racism, and the suppression of individual freedoms, have been present in various forms of liberal and progressive movements throughout history. The book challenges the mainstream view that fascism is exclusively a far-right ideology and argues that the totalitarian impulse is a common thread among these movements.

In 'Crisis and Leviathan,' Robert Higgs presents a comprehensive analysis of how government grows in response to crises, such as World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. He argues that these crises lead to significant increases in government size and power, which do not fully recede after the crisis has passed, resulting in a 'ratchet effect' that contributes to the long-term growth of government. The book provides a detailed historical examination and critiques various theories on government growth, making it essential for understanding the dynamics of government expansion and its impact on liberty.

Robert Nisbet's "The Quest for Community" is a sociological study exploring the historical and social forces that have shaped the concept and experience of community in the West. Nisbet argues that the decline of traditional mediating institutions, such as the family, church, and local guilds, has contributed to a sense of alienation and anomie in modern society. He examines the rise of the nation-state and its impact on community life, highlighting the tension between individual autonomy and social cohesion. Nisbet's work offers a critical analysis of modern social structures and their consequences, advocating for a renewed emphasis on local communities and traditional institutions. His insights remain relevant in understanding contemporary social issues.

Grand New Party lays bare the failures of the conservative revolution and presents a detailed blueprint for building the next Republican majority. The authors argue that it is time to move beyond the Reagan legacy and the current Republican power structure. They propose a conservative vision of a limited-but-active government that tackles the threats to working-class prosperity and the broader American Dream, covering topics such as immigration, health care, and taxes.