What is it about?
In 2016, most conservative intellectuals opposed Donald J. Trump's presidential candidacy. From their viewpoint, Trump was not a conservative and thus not the right candidate for the Republican Party. One group within the conservative movement disagreed: affiliates and members of the Claremont Institute supported Trump's candidacy and described him as a savior for conservatism as such. This article looks at the intellectual underpinnings of this support, focusing on two scholars: Michael Anton and Charles Kesler. They are both part of a stream of thought that is labelled "West Coast Straussianism" which draws from the writings of the German-born philosopher Leo Strauss.
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Why is it important?
Donald J. Trump's candidacy and presidency changed not only the Republican Party, but also conservatism in the United States. It is important to understand why his political ideas and style resonated with different groups.
Perspectives
The conservative movement in the United States is more diverse, complex, and, at times, contradictory than many think. While much commentary and research on the election of Donald J. Trump focuses on voter behavior, we should never forget that politics is not only based on interests, but also on ideas and ideals. Looking at the ideas and ideals of intellectual Trump supporters has helped me better understand the direction conservatism might take.
Claudia Franziska Brühwiler
University of St.Gallen
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: “Strauss-a-Lago”: Branding Trumpism as a Conservative Alternative, Comparative Political Theory, March 2023, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/26669773-bja10044.
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