The American Conservative

The American Conservative. It is a political magazine established in 2002 as a voice for paleoconservatism, offering a critical alternative to the dominant neoconservatism within the Republican Party at the time. Founded in opposition to the Iraq War and the foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration, it has championed a non-interventionist foreign policy, immigration restriction, and economic nationalism. Over its history, it has evolved into a significant forum for anti-interventionist, traditionalist, and populist thought, influencing a new generation of thinkers and politicians.

History and founding

The magazine was launched in 2002 by former Reagan administration official and presidential candidate Pat Buchanan, along with journalist Scott McConnell and columnist Taki Theodoracopulos. Its creation was a direct response to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent drive toward the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, which its founders viewed as a dangerous departure from conservative principles. The inaugural issue featured Buchanan's essay "The War Party," which sharply criticized the neoconservative influence over the George W. Bush White House and figures like Paul Wolfowitz. Initially published biweekly in print, the magazine later transitioned to a primarily digital format, expanding its reach and commentary under subsequent editors including Daniel McCarthy and Robert W. Merry.

Political stance and ideology

The publication is defined by its opposition to American imperialism and military adventurism, advocating for a foreign policy of restraint and skepticism toward alliances like NATO. Domestically, it promotes economic nationalism, criticizing free trade agreements such as NAFTA and supporting protectionist measures to bolster American industry. Its social views are rooted in a traditionalist conservative framework, emphasizing the importance of Christianity, community, and traditional institutions, while often expressing skepticism toward rapid social change. This ideological blend, sometimes termed "paleoconservatism" or "national conservatism," places it at odds with both the libertarianism of the Cato Institute and the globalism of the Democratic Party.

Notable contributors and editors

Beyond its founders, the magazine has featured a wide array of influential writers from various strands of dissent. Longtime editor Scott McConnell helped shape its voice, while literary editor Ron Unz has contributed controversial analyses on topics like immigration. Notable columnists have included the late philosopher Roger Scruton, historian Paul Gottfried, and journalist James Howard Kunstler. It has also published significant works by academics like Samuel P. Huntington, author of The Clash of Civilizations, and provided a platform for voices such as Michael Brendan Dougherty and Rod Dreher, whose concept of the "Benedict Option" gained prominence through his essays.

Influence and reception

The magazine's early opposition to the Iraq War, once a marginal view, gained credibility as the conflict deteriorated, influencing later anti-war sentiment across the political spectrum. Its advocacy for economic nationalism and criticism of Wall Street prefigured themes central to the Tea Party movement and the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump. Figures like Tucker Carlson have echoed its critiques of foreign intervention and the Washington Consensus. While often dismissed by mainstream outlets like The Weekly Standard and Fox News in its early years, it is now frequently cited in debates about the future of the Republican Party and has found a receptive audience among intellectuals associated with the Claremont Institute and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

Controversies and criticism

The publication has faced significant criticism for publishing articles on topics like race and intelligence and immigration policy that critics associate with the alt-right. A notable controversy involved writer John Derbyshire, whose column was terminated after he authored a racially inflammatory piece for another website. Its association with figures like Pat Buchanan, known for his comments on World War II and Adolf Hitler, and its occasional platforming of writers like Peter Brimelow of VDARE, have led to accusations of fostering white nationalism. These controversies have sparked debates within conservative circles, including at institutions like the Heritage Foundation, about the boundaries of permissible discourse on the American right.

Category:American political magazines Category:Conservative magazines in the United States Category:Magazines established in 2002