For over half a century, the American right has championed free markets, low taxes, and deregulation. However, a new wave of conservative thinkers is challenging this traditional stance, arguing that Republicans have been misguided in their economic policies. This emerging economic thinking represents a significant shift from the GOP’s historical allegiance to big business, focusing instead on the working class.
Oren Cass, founder of the think tank American Compass, is a leading advocate of this conservative economic populism. He argues that the Republican Party has been too aligned with corporate interests and market fundamentalism, calling for a reset that emphasizes American manufacturing and worker empowerment.
Cass critiques the long-held belief that maximizing consumption equates to societal success. He points out that while material living standards have risen, this hasn’t necessarily led to human flourishing or stronger communities. The focus on GDP growth alone has overlooked the importance of family, community, and national solidarity.
This new conservative approach also embraces nationalism, recognizing the nation’s role in supporting functioning markets and society. Cass notes a paradigm shift within American conservatism, evident in policy changes such as tariffs and trade wars aimed at protecting workers’ interests.
Despite skepticism about the Republican Party’s commitment to these changes, Cass sees signs of a genuine shift, particularly among younger elected officials. He remains critical of current legislative actions but acknowledges the potential for long-term transformation.
— News Original —
The economic theory behind Trumpism
For more than half a century, the American right has preached the virtues of free markets and low taxes and deregulation. But a new wave of conservative thinkers are now arguing that Republicans have been wrong — or at the very least misguided — about the economy. This new economic thinking represents a break from what we’ve come to expect from the American right. Its proponents argue for a new strain of economic populism, one that departs from the GOP’s past allegiance to big business and focuses instead on the working class. Oren Cass is the founder of the think tank American Compass and the editor of a new book called The New Conservatives. He’s also one of the most influential advocates of this conservative economic populism. Cass thinks the Republican Party has been too captive to corporate interests and market fundamentalism, and that conservatism needs a major reset, one that embraces American manufacturing and empowers workers.
— news from vox.com