National Review

National Review. It is a prominent American conservative editorial magazine founded in 1955 by author and commentator William F. Buckley Jr.. Established to articulate and defend traditional conservative principles against the dominant liberal consensus of the mid-20th century, it has served as a foundational intellectual voice for the American conservative movement. Over decades, it has influenced Republican Party politics, shaped policy debates, and launched the careers of numerous influential writers and thinkers.

History

The magazine was launched on November 19, 1955, by William F. Buckley Jr., who famously stated in its inaugural issue the mission to stand "athwart history, yelling Stop." Its founding was a direct response to the perceived ascendancy of New Deal liberalism, communist expansion, and the moderation of the Republican Party under figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower. Key early financial and intellectual support came from figures such as William A. Rusher, the publisher, and thinkers like James Burnham and Willmoore Kendall. Throughout the Cold War, it was a staunch advocate for anti-communist foreign policy, opposing détente with the Soviet Union and supporting figures like Ronald Reagan. The magazine's headquarters have long been in New York City, and it transitioned through various ownership structures, including a period under Buckley's control before his death in 2008.

Political stance and ideology

The magazine is defined by its fusion of traditionalist, libertarian, and anti-communist thought, a synthesis often termed Fusionism. It champions limited constitutional government, free-market economics, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. It has consistently opposed socialism, modern liberalism, and what it views as judicial activism, particularly from the Warren Court. While a steadfast supporter of the conservative movement, it has occasionally broken from the Republican Party orthodoxy, criticizing both isolationist tendencies and excessive government spending. Its editorial line has been influential in defining mainstream American conservatism for decades.

Notable contributors and editors

Beyond founder William F. Buckley Jr., the magazine has featured a roster of seminal conservative intellectuals. Senior editors have included James Burnham, a former Trotskyist who became a leading strategist of the Cold War, and William A. Rusher, its long-time publisher. Literary and cultural criticism was shaped by figures like Garry Wills in its early years and later by John Simon. Political commentary has been provided by luminaries such as George F. Will, Mona Charen, and Rich Lowry, the current editor-in-chief. Other significant writers include Whittaker Chambers, Priscilla Buckley, and Dinesh D'Souza. Regular contributors have spanned from economists like Thomas Sowell to novelists like Kingsley Amis.

Influence and impact

The magazine is widely credited with providing the intellectual architecture for the modern American conservative movement, helping to galvanize support for Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign and later for the election of Ronald Reagan. Its writings and policy arguments have deeply influenced institutions like the Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Federalist Society. Through its editorial stance, it helped move the Republican Party toward a more consistently conservative platform on issues from tax cuts to foreign policy. Its cultural commentary, particularly through the "The Week" section and annual lists, often sets agendas within conservative media circles.

Controversies and criticism

The magazine has faced significant criticism from both the left and right. Early editorials opposing the Civil Rights Act and skepticism toward the Martin Luther King Jr.-led movement have been a persistent source of historical controversy. Buckley's famous 1957 debate with James Baldwin on the The Dick Cavett Show highlighted these racial tensions. From the right, it has been criticized by paleoconservatives and the alt-right for its interventionist foreign policy and by some libertarians for its social conservatism. Internal strife has also occurred, such as the departure of staff who founded the more populist Breitbart News. Its endorsements in political primaries, such as its opposition to Donald Trump during the 2016 primaries, have sparked intense debate within the conservative coalition.