Ryan Williams, the President of the Claremont Institute, shares insights on navigating today's political landscape with a focus on dissident ideas. He discusses the Institute's rich history and its commitment to shaping public policy beyond academia. The conversation touches on the influential 'Flight 93 Election' essay, which called for a radical shift in conservative strategy, and contrasts West Coast and East Coast Straussian perspectives. Williams emphasizes the importance of adaptability and citizen engagement amid political polarization.
The Claremont Institute, rooted in West Coast Straussianism, emphasizes an elite strategy to influence national conversations on governance and society.
Through engaging with dissident ideas like the 'Flight 93 Election' essay, Claremont seeks to redefine conservatism amid evolving political challenges.
Deep dives
Foundation and Mission of the Claremont Institute
The Claremont Institute was founded in 1979 by graduate students in Southern California who aimed to combat growing concerns about government overreach, inflation, and ineffective foreign policy, mirroring issues that resonate with voters today. Their early efforts focused on teaching and writing, creating a journalistic platform that quickly evolved into fellowship programs aimed at mentoring aspiring public intellectuals and policymakers. The organization emphasizes an elite strategy of influence rather than a wide public approach, establishing a network of around a thousand fellows over 45 years who actively engage in shaping national conversations. The Institute remains committed to its core mission of fostering intellectual discourse and public policy advising on critical issues facing America, maintaining that the political crisis it identified in its inception is still relevant today.
West Coast Straussianism and Its Impact
The Claremont Institute is closely associated with West Coast Straussianism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes the study of classic political texts to glean timeless insights into governance and society. Foundational figure Harry Jaffa highlighted the importance of recognizing the depth of America's founding principles, often contrasting with East Coast Straussian views that perceive American political philosophy as overly modern and pragmatic. This intellectual lineage has shaped the Institute's patriotic perspective, asserting a more profound appreciation for America's political heritage and its potential for moral governance. By defending a vision of the American regime that stresses virtue and excellence, Claremont distinguishes itself within the broader conservative movement, encouraging a reevaluation of the nation's founding ideals.
Engagement with Contemporary Thought in the Right
In response to the evolving political landscape, the Claremont Institute has taken an innovative approach by engaging with the ideas of the dissident right, exemplified by Michael Anton's provocative 'Flight 93 Election' essay during the 2016 election cycle. This essay argued for a radical re-evaluation of conservatism in light of Donald Trump's disruptive candidacy, positing that traditional conservative strategies had failed to effectively counter modern liberalism. The success and virality of this piece marked a pivotal moment for Claremont, elevating its national profile and provoking varied responses from the conservative establishment. This willingness to explore controversial ideas reflects Claremont's commitment to understanding and influencing the broader conservative discourse, even amidst potential backlash from traditional conservatives.
Future Directions and Policy Focus of the Claremont Institute
Looking ahead, the Claremont Institute aims to leverage its insights and thought leadership to address fundamental issues facing American society, including the threats posed by progressive ideologies and burgeoning administrative state. The recent establishment of the Center for the American Way of Life illustrates its focus on key areas such as citizenship, immigration, and cultural integrity, aiming for a significant impact at both national and state levels. The Institute also recognizes the historical significance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, planning initiatives to promote American political traditions and values. This strategic focus is designed not only to advocate for conservative policies but also to effectively engage with local leaders and legislators across the country, fostering a more resilient and articulated conservative movement.
Ryan Williams is the president of the Claremont Institute. Claremont is the institutional base of West Coast Straussianism, and has long been known for its fellowship programs and quarterly journal The Claremont Review of Books. It has attracted controversy in the Trump era for its willingness to engage with dissident ideas. It published the mega-viral "The Flight 93 Election Essay" and also the first mainstream review of the book Bronze Age Mindset. Williams joins me to talk about Claremont and how they've navigated our new political world.
