143 - C. Jay Engel - The Strategic Takeover: Neoconservatives and the Conservative Movement

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Summary

In this episode of Foolproof Theology, host Chase Davis interviews CJ Engel about the history and development of conservatism in America. They discuss the origins of conservatism in the 18th century and its evolution through the progressive era and the New Deal. They also explore the role of National Review and other conservative publications in shaping the conservative movement. The conversation touches on the compromises made by conservatives during the civil rights movement and the rise of neoconservatism in the Republican Party. The conversation explores the history and influence of neoconservatism, highlighting its origins in the split between nationalist and internationalist communists. The internationalist Marxists, aligned with Trotsky, aimed for a world revolution to establish communism globally. As the Soviet Union faltered, many ex-Trotskyites became advocates of internationalist democracy, promoting democracy and human rights as the means to make the world a better place. The neoconservatives, a small group of power brokers, infused this internationalist mindset with anti-Sovietism and strategically took over the conservative movement. They controlled the framing and narratives, influencing policy and staffing the government.

Takeaways

Conservatism in America has its roots in the 18th century and was influenced by figures like Edmund Burke.

The progressive era and the New Deal brought about significant changes in the American political order, leading to the emergence of the conservative movement.

National Review played a crucial role in shaping the conservative movement, with figures like Bill Buckley leading the way.

Conservatives made compromises during the civil rights movement to maintain unity in the face of totalitarianism.

Neoconservatism emerged as disillusioned leftists left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party. Neoconservatism emerged from the split between nationalist and internationalist communists.

Internationalist Marxists aimed for a world revolution to establish communism globally.

Ex-Trotskyites became advocates of internationalist democracy, promoting democracy and human rights.

Neoconservatives strategically took over the conservative movement, controlling framing and narratives.

They influenced policy and staffing in the government.