Debate Over Defining Conservatism Erupts Amidst National Conservatism Conference
Translated & summarized from Mida by baba
A debate over the definition of conservatism has intensified following a controversy involving Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, highlighting a rift between those prioritizing political alliances and those emphasizing core principles. At a National Conservatism Conference in Jerusalem, speakers revealed divisions, with some espousing collectivist and potentially antisemitic views that challenge traditional conservative values and the US-Israel alliance. The article argues that this new "national conservatism" is fundamentally at odds with true conservatism by prioritizing group identity over individual freedom and meritocracy, posing a threat to liberal democratic principles.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A controversy over Tucker Carlson's interview with Nick Fuentes has exposed a deep ideological divide within American conservatism.
- Ben Shapiro and others argue that conservatism requires principled boundaries, including a rejection of antisemitism.
- The National Conservatism Conference in Jerusalem featured speakers with collectivist and exclusionary views, some bordering on antisemitism.
- Critics argue that "national conservatism" prioritizes group identity over individual freedom and meritocracy, undermining core conservative values.
- The article warns that this collectivist trend within the American right poses a threat to liberal democratic principles and the US-Israel alliance.
A controversy within the American conservative movement, sparked by Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes in October 2025, has highlighted a deep ideological divide. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, initially defended Carlson, urging conservatives to fight opponents on the left rather than ostracize allies on the right. This stance led to protests and resignations within the foundation. Later, Ben Shapiro criticized Carlson at a Heritage event, arguing that conservatism without principled boundaries and a rejection of antisemitism loses its meaning. Shapiro emphasized the need for ideological boundaries, comparing them to physical borders for nations, and stated that those who undermine the conservative movement from within must be confronted.
The article explores whether conservatism is defined by political affiliation or by core principles. Jeremy Boring, co-founder of The Daily Wire, humorously noted that American conservatism primarily preserves liberal values, suggesting conservatism is less an ideology with a fixed essence and more a political approach to governing and ensuring freedom. This perspective posits that conservatism champions limited government, minimal regulation, and free markets, fostering economic prosperity and individual liberty, including freedom of thought and religion. This allows diverse groups, like Christians and Jews, to be conservatives despite differing religious beliefs, united by their commitment to political freedom.
The piece identifies opponents of conservatism as those who reject freedom and advocate for collectivist, tribalistic stances, prioritizing group identity over individuals. This tribalism, characterized by dividing the world into 'light' and 'dark' sides and seeking utopian ideals through eliminating perceived threats, is linked to ideologies like Nazism, Communism, and Islamism, not as a horseshoe theory but as an inherent ideological structure. Such collectivist views reject meritocracy, judging individuals by group affiliation rather than achievement. This is seen in progressive movements where race, gender, or class identity supersedes individual qualifications for opportunities.
The National Conservatism Conference in Jerusalem recently showcased these divisions. Speakers like William Wolfe, associated with "National Christianity," expressed views seen as antisemitic and exclusionary, questioning the role of Jews in America and advocating for a Christian-centric nation. Wolfe's rhetoric, along with others like Matthew Peterson, touched upon conspiracy theories regarding Israel's influence on American foreign policy and the nature of US aid to Israel. These discussions revealed a tendency among some attendees to flirt with antisemitic narratives and to question the value of the US-Israel alliance, despite Israel's strategic contributions.
The article criticizes the "National Conservatism" movement, founded by Yoram Hazony, for its emphasis on national belonging and coalition-building against a common enemy, which can inadvertently allow problematic elements to infiltrate. The conference's panel on "The New Right in America" featured speakers who, while supporting national identity, displayed coolness towards Israel and echoed narratives questioning US support for the Jewish state. The author argues that this collectivist approach, prioritizing group identity over individual merit and freedom, is fundamentally at odds with true conservatism and poses a danger to liberal democratic values. The piece concludes by urging Israelis to distinguish between this collectivist tribalism and the conservatism they aim to promote, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and a well-defined movement.