The intellectual support for Trumpism

Stephen Wolfe's "The Case for Christian Nationalism" presents a comprehensive argument for a form of Christian nationalism that emphasizes the importance of faith and religious values in public life. The book explores the historical and theological foundations of Christian nationalism, arguing that it is a necessary response to the challenges facing Western societies. Wolfe's work is characterized by its detailed analysis and its engagement with contemporary political and cultural debates. The book has sparked significant discussion and debate, highlighting the complex issues surrounding the relationship between faith and politics. Its significance lies in its contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of religion in public life.

Harry Jaffa's "Crisis of the House Divided" is a seminal work exploring the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Jaffa analyzes Lincoln's arguments against Stephen Douglas, highlighting Lincoln's defense of natural rights and critique of popular sovereignty. The book emphasizes Lincoln's understanding of the Declaration of Independence as a foundational document for American political thought. Jaffa's interpretation of Lincoln's ideas has significantly influenced American conservative thought, particularly within the Claremont Institute. The book's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of fundamental questions about equality, liberty, and the nature of American democracy.

In 'Why Liberalism Failed,' Patrick J. Deneen critiques both classical liberalism (often called libertarianism) and progressive/modern liberalism. He argues that liberalism has created contradictions such as fostering material inequality despite advocating for equal rights, discouraging civic commitments in favor of privatism, and giving rise to a comprehensive state system while pursuing individual autonomy. Deneen contends that liberalism's success is generating its own failure, leading to issues like income inequality, cultural decline, atomization, and the erosion of freedoms. The book examines the outcomes of the growth of the state, the construction of the free market, and the effects of technology on freedoms and culture.

In Man at Yale, William F. Buckley Jr. criticizes Yale University for fostering collectivist and secular ideologies instead of upholding Western intellectual traditions, arguing that higher education shapes students away from conservative principles. Published early in Buckley's career, the book helped launch his public intellectual trajectory and the formation of a modern conservative movement that questioned academic and cultural elites. Buckley's arguments about ideological conformity in universities informed later conservative efforts to reform education and cultural institutions. The book remains a historic touchstone for conservative critiques of academia and the perceived liberal bias in higher education. Its themes echo in contemporary debates about curriculum, civic education, and cultural influence.

Adrian Vermeule's "Common Good Constitutionalism" is a significant work in legal and political philosophy that challenges traditional liberal approaches to constitutional interpretation. Vermeule argues for a common good approach, emphasizing the importance of promoting the flourishing of the community as a whole. He criticizes the emphasis on individual rights and judicial review that he sees as characteristic of liberal constitutionalism. Vermeule's work has been highly influential within conservative legal circles but has also generated significant controversy. His ideas have been praised for their intellectual rigor and criticized for their potential to undermine individual liberties.

In 'The Virtue of Nationalism,' Yoram Hazony presents a case for the nation-state as the optimal form of government, emphasizing its role in protecting personal and collective freedom. He argues that nationalism, based on bonds of mutual loyalty to a shared culture and history, provides social cohesion and trust necessary for civil and political liberties. Hazony contrasts nationalism with both historical empires and modern forms of global governance, such as the United Nations, which he sees as imposing a universal standard that is intolerant of cultural differences. The book explores the historical roots of nationalism, particularly in the context of English, Dutch, and American Protestantism, and argues that a world of independent nations is more conducive to peace and freedom than a globalist or imperialist system.