The National Conservatism Conference focused on cultural affinity in immigration policies and the importance of traditional values like Judeo-Christian principles.
Josh Hawley highlighted the impact of globalization and multiculturalism on American society, emphasizing republicanism and the preservation of traditional values while critiquing corporatism.
Amy Wax's advocacy for an immigration policy based on cultural affinity sparked controversy due to perceived racial undertones, highlighting a contentious intersection between cultural values and racial implications in immigration discussions.
Deep dives
National Conservatism Conference Overview
The National Conservatism Conference featured prominent speakers discussing the concept of cultural affinity in immigration policies, the importance of traditional values like Judeo-Christian principles, and the connection between nationalism and religious heritage. There was a focus on critiquing the cosmopolitan elite, advocating for national independence and cohesion, and emphasizing the need for a cultural shift towards national traditions.
Josh Hawley's Speech
Josh Hawley's speech during the conference highlighted the impact of globalization and multiculturalism on American society, addressing issues like declining opportunities, social media influence, and public confidence in the government. While discussing trade policies and immigration, he emphasized republicanism and the preservation of traditional values, while critiquing corporatism and the impact of the cosmopolitan agenda on societal values.
Amy Wax's Immigration Policy Views
Amy Wax's presentation focused on advocating for an immigration policy based on cultural affinity, suggesting preferences for people with shared values, which indirectly hinted at preferences for white individuals. Her remarks sparked controversy due to perceived racial undertones and connections to national identity, highlighting a contentious intersection between cultural values and racial implications in immigration discussions.
Criticism of the Conference
Criticism of the National Conservatism Conference from right-leaning sources like The Federalist pointed out the vagueness of the nationalist and traditionalist ideologies promoted in the event, questioning the allegiance to nationalism and the inclusion of racial and racial politics. The critique challenged the ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'American' identity, the lack of explicit alignment with Trumpism, and the failure to fully embrace a clear break from mainstream conservatism.
Rebranding Efforts and Conference Critiques
Critics address the attempt to rebrand failed policies by national conservatives, highlighting the exclusion of well-known America First foreign policy experts from a recent conference. The critique delves into the implications of inviting individuals like John Bolton, who are perceived as contradicting America First principles, raising questions about the conference's authenticity in championing new nationalism.
Utilizing Nationalist Rhetoric and Historical Reflections
The discussion examines the right's leverage of nationalist rhetoric centered on family, community, and tradition, emphasizing a shift towards reclaiming patriotic narratives. Contrastingly, it critiques the left's response to nationalist appeals, suggesting a strategic utilization of historical and patriotic symbols to counter the narrative of exclusivity promoted by national conservatives and highlighting the importance of maintaining a nuanced approach to patriotism and national identity.
The first National Conservatism conference was convened at the Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. two weeks ago. It was a coming out party for the rising nationalist wing of the conservative movement, with attendees laying the groundwork for a more intellectual version of Trumpism. Many mainstream conservatives were in attendance, along with paleoconservatives, figures from the religious right, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and a popular Fox News host. In the era of Trump, mainstream conservatism is making room for hardcore nationalists, economic populists, illiberal theocrats, and others—this conference was a chance for them to find common ground.
Matt and Sam discuss the conference, what it means for the present and future of conservative politics, and how the left can combat the nationalists' appeal—which is, in many ways, much more powerful than that of the dying Reaganite consensus.
