In his latest book, Matthew Continetti — the right’s pre-eminent intellectual historian — traces the rich history of America’s 20th century conservative moment. In this conversation, we don’t dive into the details of history itself (for that, pick up a copy of The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism), but rather discuss the origins and repercussions of some of the right’s more unsettling trends — from post-liberalism to populism to religious authoritarianism. As is our wont, we debate, disagree, and dunk on Biden, too.

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On the agenda:

-Analyzing the Right from the Right [0:00-7:26]

-The Post-Liberals of the New Right [7:27-18:38]

-Culture vs. Capitalism [18:39-32:46] 

-Rediscovering The American-ness of Conservatism [32:47-42:06] 

-Turning back the clock, but to when? [42:07-45:31] 

-Discussing Dobbs v. Jackson [45:32-52:11] 

-The Monster Within [52:12-1:05:49] 

-Blindspots on the Left & Right [1:05:50-1:07:34]

Uncertain Things is hosted and produced by Adaam James Levin-Areddy and Vanessa M. Quirk. For more doomsday rumination, subscribe to: uncertain.substack.com.

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