The Rise of JD Vance and the Postliberal Movement
J.D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate has thrust the "postliberal" movement, a philosophical outlook challenging the foundations of the American system, into the national spotlight
The Facts:
J.D. Vance's selection as Donald Trump's running mate has thrust the "postliberal" movement, a philosophical outlook that has been brewing on the right for years, into the national spotlight. Vance, who identifies as a member of this postliberal camp, is poised to become the standard-bearer for the Trump movement after the next presidential term, with some describing him as the "zealous convert who spreads the gospel of Trumpism further than Trump himself."
Postliberalism is not a political platform or a set of policy prescriptions but rather a philosophical framework shaped by contemporary thinkers like Patrick Deneen, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame, who calls for replacing political elites with new ones more closely aligned with the people's interests. Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist, who criticizes technological progress for being focused on things other than transformative innovation due to misguided liberal ideology. René Girard, a French philosopher and Catholic literary critic, who introduced "mimetic rivalry," the idea that people desire things because others do, leading to social conflict often resolved by scapegoating. Curtis Yarvin, an ex-computer programmer turned blogger known for his "neo-reactionary" (NRx) movement, believes American democracy has degenerated into a corrupt oligarchy and advocates for a monarchical leader styled as a "national CEO" or "dictator." Sohrab Ahmari, co-editor of Compact Magazine, advocates for a "working-class conservatism" rooted in Catholic social democracy.
This cohort of thinkers has influenced Vance's views and helped formulate the postliberal outlook. This perspective regards the liberal project of "progress" as a mistake, particularly in terms of economic liberalization, technological advancement, and the leveling of social hierarchies. They believe that moral problems are the inevitable result of the liberal regime established by the Founding Fathers. Additionally, they see the "deep state" and the administrative state as orchestrating this decline, undermining citizens' ability to govern themselves.
To Postliberals focusing on building strong communities, traditional family structures, and economic policies is the only way restore communities. Postliberals openly discuss the need to create a new blueprint for an American society centered on virtue and the common good. Deneen's 2023 book *Regime Change* offers a clear articulation of postliberal thought, calling for replacing the current political elite with new leaders more aligned with the people's interests. These new elites would be guided by a "common good" conservatism focused on virtue, family, and community—values that Vance, with his background in Appalachia and Yale Law education, would exemplify.
If Vance's party wins in November, these thinkers could have a direct line to the White House and potentially define the trajectory of the country.
The View:
The designation of Vance as Trump's running mate represents a development with far reaching consequences for the future of American politics. By elevating a proponent of the "postliberal" movement, the Trump camp is endorsing a radical philosophical framework that seeks to fundamentally reshape the foundations of the American system
The postliberal project, with its emphasis on a "common good" conservatism and hostility toward the administrative state, represents a direct challenge to the fundamental checks and balances of the American system. The final shape of the postliberal movement is still unclear, but it is a significant emerging force on the American right that warrants close attention. This is not a return to timeless American values, but a radical departure toward something different.
TLDR:
The "postliberal" movement, a philosophical framework shaping the right, has gained prominence with the selection of JD Vance as Trump's running mate.
Postliberalism rejects the liberal project of "progress" and calls for replacing political elites with new leaders more aligned with the people's interests.
Key postliberal thinkers, such as Patrick Deneen, Peter Thiel, and Sohrab Ahmari, have influenced Vance's views and the postliberal outlook.
Postliberals advocate for a "common good" conservatism focused on virtue, family, and community, which Vance is seen as exemplifying.
The postliberal project represents a direct challenge to the fundamental checks and balances of the American system, as it seeks to reshape the country's foundations.
The final shape of the postliberal movement is still unclear, but it is a significant emerging force on the American right that warrants close attention.
Know More:
A Postliberal Future?
Postliberalism: Patrick Deneen
Insights From:
J.D. Vance and the Rise of ‘Postliberalism’ - Wall Street Journal
The Seven Intellectual Forces Behind J.D. Vance's World View - POLITICO