Jeff Roche
Professor of history who studies politics and region with a focus on the American West; author of The Conservative Frontier: Texas and the Origins of the New Right (University of Texas Press, 2025).
Best podcasts with Jeff Roche
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Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
Jeff Roche, "The Conservative Frontier: Texas and the Origins of the New Right" (U Texas Press, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Roche, a history professor and author of "The Conservative Frontier," unpacks the origins of American conservatism, tracing its roots back to West Texas cattle ranching. He delves into the impact of figures like C.W. Post and J. Evetts Haley on local and national politics. Roche highlights how environmental factors and the rise of ‘cowboy conservatism’ shaped the Texas GOP and its enduring influence. He also emphasizes the importance of regional history in forming political identities, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how place matters in politics.
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
Jeff Roche, "The Conservative Frontier: Texas and the Origins of the New Right" (U Texas Press, 2025)
Jeff Roche, a Professor of History at the College of Wooster, delves into the roots of American conservatism as shaped by West Texas. He highlights how the region's harsh landscape influenced farming, politics, and the emergence of 'cowboy conservatism' exemplified by figures like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Roche also discusses how local historical conditions fueled anti-communism and skepticism toward federal aid, paving the way for Texas' national political sway. His work emphasizes the intricate ties between regional identity and political evolution.
