The Scramble Before the Storm

Feb 2, 2025

Political upheaval is in the air, with new right-wing figures emerging in the aftermath of a major inauguration. The speakers dissect a cultural shift, challenging the status quo and the perceived liberal dominance in America. They reflect on the quirky rise of fringe movements and microstates like Liberland, while questioning the effectiveness of the current political rhetoric. Amidst debates on foreign policy and cultural change, the implications of media influence on political thought become clear as they navigate the evolving landscape of American politics.

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ANECDOTE

Liberland Party

Shadi Hamid recounts attending a party hosted by the president of Liberland, a micronation.
This anecdote highlights the eclectic mix of right-wing figures who emerged during Trump's inauguration week.

INSIGHT

Right Wing Empowerment

Right-wing figures are experiencing a moment of empowerment and visibility.
They feel confident and self-assured, believing they've won the culture war.

INSIGHT

Yarvin's Influence

Curtis Yarvin's New York Times interview exemplifies the right's cultural ascendancy.
His fringe ideas gaining mainstream attention demonstrates a shift in the cultural landscape.

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“The weird right wing men are coming out to the fore in joy,” announces Shadi Hamid. “They’re strutting more than they did in 2016,” observes Damir Marusic. “The counter-elite is becoming the elite,” says Shadi. “There is gonna be a bloodbath,” says Damir: “They will soon be drinking from a fire hydrant of sewage.”

Two weeks have passed since the Trump inauguration, as well as its attendant galas, balls and parties. Damir and Shadi have trained their weary eyes upon the new class of upstart right wingers arriving in the capital for a punchdrunk power-hungry scramble. There are the tech bros, the trad intellectuals, the libertarians living in unrecognized mini-states, the crunchy RFK-supporters, and who knows what else. All want a piece of the pie that Emperor Trump is slicing before them.

Shadi believes that a cultural shift has taken place — that Trump is not only a new president, but the usher of a new moment in American culture. “Something has changed,” says Shadi. “Liberal dominance of instutions seems weak and pathetic,” in retrospect, he adds. “The perception of dominance can collapse quickly.” Damir disagrees. “It was not a cultural shift,” he says. It was a repudiation of liberal overreach on cultural issues, and a “light-to-heavy insanity and a lot of stress on our institutions.” The Right is reactionary, Damir concludes, and as soon as they propose a positive program, their popularity will drop.

In our bonus section for paid subscribers, Damir and Shadi discuss the difference between “mysterious cultural forces” and “the wisdom of crowds,” Damir further explains why he believes the Right is not as powerful as they think they are, and Shadi tells us about an upcoming spiritual quest.

Required Reading:

* Liberland official website.

* Curtis Yarvin interview (New York Times).

* Mana Afsari, “Last Boys at the Beginning of History” (The Point).

* Who is Chris Rufo?

* Mark Zuckerberg on the Joe Rogan Experience (YouTube).

* Christine Emba, “Zuck is the Zeitgeist” (WoC).

* The Harper’s Letter (signed by Shadi).

* Richard Reeves on the podcast: “The Masculine World is Adrift” (WoC).

This post is part of our collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Governance and Markets.

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