Trump Is Taking the Easy Way Out | Ruminant

In 'The Virtue of Nationalism,' Yoram Hazony presents a case for the nation-state as the optimal form of government, emphasizing its role in protecting personal and collective freedom. He argues that nationalism, based on bonds of mutual loyalty to a shared culture and history, provides social cohesion and trust necessary for civil and political liberties. Hazony contrasts nationalism with both historical empires and modern forms of global governance, such as the United Nations, which he sees as imposing a universal standard that is intolerant of cultural differences. The book explores the historical roots of nationalism, particularly in the context of English, Dutch, and American Protestantism, and argues that a world of independent nations is more conducive to peace and freedom than a globalist or imperialist system.

In 'American Covenant,' Yuval Levin argues that the U.S. Constitution is not the source of contemporary political discord but rather the solution. The book blends historical analysis with practical insights, highlighting the framers’ sophisticated understanding of political division and the Constitution’s power to facilitate constructive disagreement and forge unity. Levin provides a hopeful and insightful perspective, rooted in American political tradition, and offers practical solutions for reforming aspects of the constitutional order that have malfunctioned.