Seize the Means of Conservatism (w/ Stephanie Slade) MO #340
Summary
Stephanie Slade discusses her new book on fusionism, defining it as a synthesis of classical liberalism and Judeo-Christian virtue. She contrasts this traditional conservative philosophy with the modern "dissident right," exemplified by J.D. Vance’s call to seize institutions. Slade argues that post-Cold War complacency and reaction to left-wing illiberalism eroded the movement’s intellectual foundations, shifting focus from liberty to political warfare.
Topics discussed
Intro: Virtue, paywalls, and guest introductions
Guest background and the rise of the dissident right
J.D. Vance's call to seize institutions and punish the left
Defining fusionism: Liberty and virtue synthesis
The Reagan coalition and the loss of free market ideals
Philosophical failure and the erosion of intellectual foundations
Reactionary politics and the history of culture war
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