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Rise of Individualist Conservatism: Anti-Communism and Neo-Classical Liberalism

Explore the evolution of Individualist Conservatism from opposition to communism to its rise in political power, replacing Rockefeller Republicanism with a focus on neo-classical liberalism. Discover key figures and movements in the UK and US.

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Rise of Individualist Conservatism: Anti-Communism and Neo-Classical Liberalism

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  1. CHAPTER 4 Conservatism, Pt. 2

  2. Anti-Communism Since 1917 Opposition to the rise of the Soviet Union and the Communist Ideal – Unites Conservatives of All Types Conservatives dislike communists’ belief in progress, perfectibility, and planning. Conservatives fear that communism is a radical idea that will sweep away useful customs and traditions. Opposition to communism energized conservatives – until 1989 and the fall of the Soviet bloc.

  3. Individualist Conservatism New 20th Century approach to conservatism Wants to conserve neo-classical liberalism Key Neo-Classical Liberal theorists (both Economists) Hayek’s Road to Serfdom (1944) Joseph Schumpeter’s Capitalism, Socialism, & Democracy (1942) Individualist Conservatism is then turned into a conservative “movement” Emerges as a Movement in U.S. After 1964

  4. Rise of Individualist Conservatism in the UK & US in the late 20th Century Individualist conservatives started to reinvent the U.S. Republican Party with Barry Goldwater’s run for President in 1964. The first conservative British politician to defend neo-classical liberalism was Keith Joseph in the 1970s. He was the main advisor to PM Margaret Thatcher. Individualist Conservatism – New governments in U.S. & UK in 1979 & 1980 Prime Minister Thatcher (1979-1997) President Reagan & George Bush I (1980-1992)

  5. Individualist Conservatism Replaces Rockefeller Republicanism in US • Traditional Conservatism in U.S. • Known as “Rockefeller Republicanism” • Named after NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller (1959-1973) • Rockefeller Republicans were more “centrist” than Republicans today • From 1964 - 1980, the new Individualist Conservative Movement battles and replaces the Rockefeller Republicans for control of the Republican Party • Mission Accomplished in 1980 Reagan victory • Individualist Conservatives completely replace Rockefeller Republicans in US Republican Party

  6. Individualist Conservatism Replaces Rockefeller Republicanism in US (con’t) • Rockefeller Republicanism did not survive 1980 Reagan Revolution in 1980. Exceptions: • Journalist Andrew Sullivan • Pragmatic conservatism of Michael Oakeshott • Supported progressive causes such as same sex marriage & legalization of cannabis; strong supporter of Obama from 2007 • Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (Republican) • Became Democrat in 2015 & competed for Democratic Nomination in 2016 Presidential Election Campaign in early 2016

  7. Rise of Individualist Conservatism in the UK & US in the late 20th Century (con’t) In the UK: Traditional Conservatives Individualist Conservatives In the US: Referred to in text as “Reagan-Rove Coalition” 1. Individualist Conservatives 2. Reagan Democrats (Nixon Democrats) 3. Neo-Conservatives 4. Religious Right

  8. Reagan-Rove Coalition ~1968 to ~2016 Individualist Conservatism (Neo-Classical Liberalism)‏ Economic Conservatives Friedrich Hayek, Economist Milton Friedman were key influences Individualist, free market conservatism was at the heart of conservative movement. This was aided by the population shift from the northeast to sunbelt (south, southwest)‏ Goldwater and Reagan hailed from the emerging sunbelt (Arizona & Cali)‏ Individualist Conservatism was attractive to growing Suburban South & Southwest Social Conservatism (Reagan Democrats) Emphasized conservative rejection of cultural liberalism in the 1960s Included middle class and working class voters who were “social conservatives” after 1968 They had been Democrats/Welfare Liberals. When Democrats/Welfare Liberals embraced feminism, affirmative action, anti-war protests, & progressive causes like gay marriage, this Group of Voters switched over to Republican Party Sometimes referred to as “Reagan Democrats” or “Nixon Democrats”

  9. Reagan-Rove Coalition ~1968 to ~2016 Neo-Conservatism (Irving Kristol, Richard Perle) Disenchanted Welfare Liberals Started by Irving Kristol (former Socialist/Trotskyite) Very strong Anti-communism in 1980s Neo-conservatism declined in 1990s after the Cold War ended. But 9/11 breathed new life into neo-conservatives’ influence Strong supporters of War in Iraq The Religious Right Developed in Early 1970s Opposition to legalization of abortion (Roe v Wade 1973) Opposition to increased restrictions on religion in public schools Ralph Reed’s Christian Coalition significantly enhanced their political power in the 1980s & 1990s James Dobson’s Focus on the Family significantly enhanced their political in the early 00s

  10. Decline of Reagan-Rove Coalition (con’t) Coalition worked very well for Pres Reagan, Bush I, Bush II Breakdown of Reagan-Rove Coalition after 2012 Presidential Election If still relevant, which of the 4 components is still robust? Individualist Conservatism Reagan Democrats (social conservatives) Neo-Conservatives Religious right Can a new coalition include support for libertarianism, economic liberalism, social progressivism

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