Sohrab Ahmari, conservative intellectual, discusses his book "Tyranny, Inc." with Sean Illing about mapping out a post-Trump future for the Republican Party. They explore the concept of conservative socialism and the potential for a broader coalition. They also discuss topics such as the Republican Party's use of culture war politics, the impact of neoliberalism on democracy and politics, and the importance of countervailing power in rebalancing imbalances.
The post-Trump era may lead to a new coalition in American politics that tackles societal issues.
Conservative author Sohrab Ahmari advocates for left-leaning economic principles in his book 'Tyranny, Inc.'
Countervailing power is necessary to challenge neoliberalism and restore balance to society.
Deep dives
The Shifting Ideological Landscape of American Politics
American politics has experienced a significant shift in ideology over the last decade, particularly highlighted by the emergence of Donald Trump. The Republican Party, previously a mix of laissez-faire economics and religious traditionalism, was shaken up and exposed by Trump. Meanwhile, the Democrats have focused much of their attention on battling Trump, resulting in missed opportunities. The question now is what American politics will look like in the post-Trump era, with the understanding that the definitions of liberal and conservative have evolved. This disruption and chaos may pave the way for a new coalition in American politics that tackles the root causes of societal issues.
The Intellectual Evolution of Sorabah Mari
Sorabah Mari, a conservative thinker and author, shares his intellectual evolution, from being a Marxist and atheist in his youth to later converting to Catholicism and becoming a critic of conservative orthodoxy. Despite his socially conservative beliefs, Mari advocates for left-leaning economic principles and supports the New Deal democratic socialism. His latest book, "Tyranny Ink," calls for addressing economic coercion in American life and highlights the need for countervailing power to combat injustice and strive for a more equitable society.
The Impact of Neoliberalism on Society
Neoliberalism, the successor ideology to laissez-faire capitalism, has become the dominant economic doctrine since the late 20th century. It promotes the idea that the state should resemble the market and govern society accordingly. By excessively marketizing all aspects of life, neoliberalism depoliticizes issues that are inherently political and removes them from democratic accountability. This disempowers individuals in favor of private actors, perpetuating inequality and coercion. Countervailing power is necessary to challenge this coercive environment and restore balance to the overly privatized society.
The Need for Countervailing Power
Countervailing power, championed by economist John Kenneth Galbraith, is crucial in addressing the imbalance of power in markets. It involves raising the power of those subjected to coercive relationships, such as workers in labor unions or consumer communities. The government plays a key role in supporting countervailing power through policies like collective bargaining and sectoral bargaining. Restoring countervailing power is essential in addressing economic coercion and creating a more equitable society.
The Tension between Economic Justice and Cultural Hierarchies
While there may be tension between economic justice and cultural hierarchies, there is still potential for coalitions to be formed. A focus on improving economic conditions and reducing precarity can alleviate resentments and anxieties that often fuel nativist politics. However, it is important to recognize that individual perspectives on cultural issues may differ. Striving for a more universalistic approach that allows people to come together across their differences can help bridge the divide and create a more just society.
What will American politics look like after Trump? Sean Illing is joined by Sohrab Ahmari to discuss his new book, Tyranny, Inc. Ahmari is one of the conservative intellectuals trying to map out a post-Trump future for the Republican Party, and his book is an attempt to justify a form of democratic socialism from the right. The two discuss whether his vision could ever be the basis for a broader coalition.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
Guest: Sohrab Ahmari (@SohrabAhmari), author, Tyranny, Inc.
References:
Tyranny, Inc. by Sohrab Ahmari (Penguin Random House, 2023)
