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The Enduring Ethos

A scholarly examination of Paleoconservatism, a political philosophy rooted in American nationalism, Christian ethics, regionalism, and non-interventionism.

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What is Paleoconservatism?

Foundational Principles

Paleoconservatism represents a distinct political philosophy within American conservatism, emphasizing a commitment to American nationalism, Christian ethics, regionalism, traditionalist conservatism, and a foreign policy of non-interventionism. This intellectual current shares significant overlap with the "Old Right" movement, which historically opposed the New Deal policies of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as with paleolibertarianism.

Evolution of Focus

While its roots are deep in American political thought, the paleoconservative movement has seen an evolution in its primary concerns. By the dawn of the 21st century, there was a noticeable shift towards a greater emphasis on issues related to race and identity. This development highlights the dynamic nature of political ideologies and their adaptation to contemporary societal debates.

Key Policy Stances

Adherents of paleoconservatism advocate for specific policy directions that reflect their core tenets. These include stringent restrictions on immigration, a reversal of multicultural programs, and a resistance to large-scale demographic changes. Domestically, they champion the decentralization of federal policy, a reintroduction of controls on free trade, and a stronger focus on economic nationalism. In foreign affairs, a steadfast commitment to non-interventionism remains a cornerstone of their philosophy.

Defining the Terms

The 'Paleo' Prefix

The prefix "paleo-" originates from the Greek root "palaiós," signifying "ancient" or "old." Its application to "conservatism" is often considered somewhat ironic or "tongue-in-cheek," as it underscores the paleoconservatives' assertion that they embody a more historical and authentic conservative tradition compared to neoconservatism. Many adherents simply refer to themselves as "paleo."

Paleo vs. Neo

The terms "neoconservative" and "paleoconservative" were coined by Paul Gottfried in the 1980s, initially to delineate the ideological split within American conservatism concerning the Vietnam War. Those who supported the war, advocating for interventionism, became known as neoconservatives, marking a departure from traditional conservative isolationism. This traditional, non-interventionist stance then became identified as paleoconservatism.

Beyond Status Quo

Some prominent paleoconservatives, such as Samuel T. Francis and Thomas Fleming, deliberately de-emphasize the "conservative" aspect of the label. They argue against merely preserving the existing status quo, which they critically describe as "a series of trenches dug in defense of last year's revolution." Francis notably defined authentic conservatism as "the survival and enhancement of a particular people and its institutionalized cultural expressions," suggesting a more active and foundational preservationist stance rather than a reactive one.

Core Ideals

Domestic Policy Stances

Paleoconservatives advocate for a range of domestic policies aimed at preserving what they perceive as traditional American society and economic structures. These include:

  • Strict limitations on immigration.
  • Decentralization of federal power, emphasizing states' rights.
  • Implementation of trade tariffs and protectionist measures.
  • Promotion of economic nationalism to prioritize domestic industries.
  • A rollback of multicultural programs and resistance to large-scale demographic shifts.

Foreign Policy: Isolationism

A defining characteristic of paleoconservatism is its commitment to isolationism and non-intervention in the affairs of foreign nations. This stands in stark contrast to neoconservatism, which often advocates for a more assertive, interventionist foreign policy. Paleoconservatives view neoconservatives as "imperialists" and position themselves as the true defenders of the American republic, wary of foreign entanglements and their potential to undermine national sovereignty and resources.

Social and Cultural Views

In social and cultural matters, paleoconservatives adhere to traditional conservative ideals. This translates into strong opposition to:

  • Abortion.
  • Gay marriage.
  • Broader LGBTQ rights.

These positions are often rooted in their emphasis on Christian ethics and a perceived need to restore traditional societal norms concerning gender, sexuality, and family structures.

Human Nature & Tradition

Tradition as Reason

A fundamental tenet of paleoconservative thought is the belief that tradition itself embodies a form of reason, rather than being a force that competes with or opposes rational thought. This perspective suggests that accumulated wisdom and established customs provide a stable and reliable framework for societal conduct and moral understanding.

The Culture of Families

Mel Bradford articulated this ethic as being grounded in a "culture of families, linked by friendship, common enemies, and common projects." This highlights the importance of localized, familial, and communal bonds as the bedrock of a healthy society. It implies that moral and social questions are often "settled" by these inherited cultural norms, as exemplified by the admonition, "we don't do that," passed down through generations.

Moral Order and Natural Law

Pat Buchanan, a prominent figure in paleoconservatism, further emphasizes the moral dimension of this philosophy. He argues that effective political leadership must "defend the moral order rooted in the Old and New Testament and Natural Law." For Buchanan, the most profound societal challenges are not primarily economic or political, but fundamentally moral, underscoring the deep religious and ethical underpinnings of paleoconservative thought.

Southern Traditionalism

Localism and States' Rights

Historian Paul V. Murphy notes that paleoconservatives developed a strong focus on localism and states' rights. This emphasis reflects a desire to empower local communities and state governments, limiting the reach and influence of centralized federal authority. From the mid-1980s, publications like Chronicles actively promoted a Southern traditionalist worldview, characterized by a strong sense of national identity, regional distinctiveness, and a healthy skepticism towards abstract theories and centralized power structures.

Anti-Modernism and Social Critique

The anti-modernist stance of the paleoconservative movement significantly shaped the neo-Confederate movement of the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, notable paleoconservatives contended that federal legislation and influential think tanks had imposed policies such as desegregation, welfare programs, tolerance of gay rights, and the separation of church and state. They argued that these measures were detrimental to local communities and represented an erosion of traditional values. In this context, they often cited the Southern Agrarians as intellectual predecessors.

Foreign Policy: Israel

Critics of Israel

Paleoconservatives generally adopt a critical stance towards Israel and tend to support the Arab cause within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their arguments often center on the belief that American support for Israel is detrimental to foreign relations with the Islamic world and ultimately undermines broader American interests abroad.

Capitol Hill Allegations

Pat Buchanan famously asserted that "Capitol Hill is Israeli occupied territory," a statement reflecting the paleoconservative perception of undue Israeli influence on U.S. foreign policy. Similarly, Russell Kirk remarked that it often seemed "as if some eminent Neoconservatives mistook Tel Aviv for the capital of the United States," highlighting the perceived divergence of neoconservative foreign policy from what paleoconservatives consider to be American national interests.

Contemporary Commentary

More recently, during the Israel-Gaza War, paleoconservative commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that Israel was potentially guilty of war crimes. He further argued that President Joe Biden's unwavering support for Israel risked American complicity in these actions, underscoring the ongoing relevance of this foreign policy critique within paleoconservative discourse.

Notable Figures

Philosophers & Scholars

The intellectual foundations of paleoconservatism have been shaped by a number of influential thinkers:

  • Mel Bradford (1934–1993)
  • Paul Gottfried (born 1941)
  • Russell Kirk (1918-1994)
  • E. Christian Kopff (born 1946)
  • William S. Lind (born 1947)
  • Clyde N. Wilson (born 1941)

Commentators & Columnists

Public discourse around paleoconservatism has been significantly influenced by various commentators and columnists:

  • Pat Buchanan (born 1938)
  • Peter Brimelow (born 1947)
  • Tucker Carlson (born 1969)
  • John Derbyshire (born 1945)
  • Thomas Fleming (born 1945)
  • Samuel T. Francis (1947–2005)
  • Robert Novak (1931–2009)
  • Steve Sailer (born 1958)
  • Joseph Sobran (1946–2010)
  • Taki Theodoracopulos (born 1936)

Donald Trump & Trumpism

While historian George Hawley posits that Donald Trump himself is not a paleoconservative, but rather a nationalist and right-wing populist, the movement known as Trumpism is often regarded as being supported by, or even a re-articulation of, paleoconservative principles. This perspective suggests that the tenets of the Old Right have not diminished but continue to exert considerable influence within the Republican Party and the broader national political landscape.

Organizations & Outlets

Key Organizations

Several organizations have been identified with or have promoted paleoconservative ideas:

  • Abbeville Institute
  • John Birch Society

Periodicals & Websites

Various media outlets serve as platforms for paleoconservative thought and analysis:

  • The American Conservative
  • Chronicles (magazine)
  • Observer & Review
  • Intercollegiate Review
  • Taki's Magazine

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References

References

  1.  Hawley 2017; Newman & Giardina 2011, p. 50.
  2.  Clark 2016, p. 77; Dueck 2010, p. 258; Hawley 2017; Newman & Giardina 2011, p. 50.
  3.  Newman & Giardina 2011, p. 50; Wilson 2017.
  4.  Dueck 2010, p. 258; McDonald 2004, p. 216.
  5.  Nash 2006, p. 568; Newman & Giardina 2011, p. 50.
  6.  Clark 2016, p. 77; Hawley 2017; Schneider 2009, p. 170.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Paleoconservatism Wikipedia page

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