Right Ideas

In October of 2022, professor and scholar Jon Askonas penned an article for Compact Magazine titled "Why Conservatism Failed." In it, he explored the challenges facing conservatism in a technological society—among these challenges is the breakdown of tradition. Did technology kill conservatism? Where did conservatism make a wrong turn? Is conservatism able to address the problems it faces in contemporary society?

Host John Sailer sits down with Askonas to discuss these questions and more.

Robert Nisbet (1913–1996) was an American sociologist, conservative thinker, and the author of dozens of books over the course of his long career, including The Quest for Community: A Study in the Ethics of Order and Freedom, The Sociological Tradition, and Conservatism: Dream and Reality.

Counted among the great 20th century conservatives, Nisbet's thought was unique and useful to thinkers across the political spectrum. In its obituary of Nisbet, the New York Times noted that "although he was widely hailed as an intellectual mentor of the American right ... the brand of conservatism he espoused was so rarefied and remote from modern political trends that one of his first major works, The Quest for Community, first published in 1953, became something of a cult classic among counterculture radicals."

Joining us to discuss is Brad Birzer, Professor of History and Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College; Samuel Goldman, Associate Professor of Political Science at George Washington University and Literary Editor of Modern Age; and Luke C. Sheahan, Assistant Professor of Political Science as Duquesne University and Editor of the University Bookman.

The discussion is moderated by John Sailer, a Research Fellow at the National Association of Scholars.

Christopher Lasch was a historian and social critic, the author of numerous important works, including The Culture of Narcissism, The True and Only Heaven, and The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy. Defying political categories, Lasch's insight has influenced thinkers of all political stripes, and recently his work has seen something of a revival among thinkers on the political right.

In this episode, we discuss Lasch and his newfound relevance for conservatives and all other political thinkers.

This episode features Blake Smith, Harper Schmidt Fellow at the University of Chicago and a writing fellow at Heterodox Academy; Geoff Shullenberger, Managing Editor at Compact Magazine; and Eric Miller, Associate Professor of History at Geneva College.

The discussion is moderated by John Sailer, Research Fellow at the National Association of Scholars.

Carl Trueman joins Right Ideas with John Sailer to discuss how gender theory–once only seen in academia–has permeated into everyday life in the West. Dr. Trueman is a scholar of history and theology, and the author of several books, including The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self and Strange New World.

James Burnham (1905–1987) was a philosopher and political theorist, chair of the philosophy department at NYU, and committed Trotskyist who befriended Leon Trotsky himself. Despite his beginning on the political left, Burnham eventually became an influential voice in the American conservative movement, serving as an editor of National Review. His books include The Managerial Revolution and Suicide of the West.

Although he was virtually forgotten for many years, Burnham's work has seen something of a revival in some circles today, and his thought remains relevant for conservative and political thinkers of any stripe. In this webinar, we discuss Burnham and his newfound relevance for conservatives today.

The episode features Julius Krein, Editor of American Affairs; Daniel McCarthy, Editor of Modern Age; and Aaron Renn, who writes on Substack.

The discussion is moderated by John Sailer, Research Fellow at the National Association of Scholars.

"To be conservative ... is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried, fact to mystery, the actual to the possible, the limited to the unbounded, the near to the distant, the sufficient to the superabundant, the convenient to the perfect, present laughter to utopian bliss." So wrote Michael Oakeshott in his 1956 essay "On Being Conservative."

Michael Oakeshott (1911–1990) was an English philosopher and political theorist, whose long career as a scholar helped define a distinctive vision of conservative thought.

This "Right Ideas" webinar features a discussion between Baylor professor of political science Elizabeth Corey and NAS fellow John Sailer on the work and relevance of this unique scholar.

Dr. Darel Paul joins Right Ideas host John Sailer to discuss the ideological roots of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), its implications for politics and education, and why it should matter to conservatives today. Dr. Paul is a Professor of Political Science at Williams College and a scholar of contemporary elite ideology.