David Frum: What is the future of the conservative movement? | Big Think

TL;DR

The traditional conservative movement is at the end of its political cycle, facing new challenges such as income inequality, environmental issues, and moral dilemmas.

Transcript

I think to understand the future of the conservative movement you have to begin with the past uh the conservative movement that I grew up with uh that I'm a creature of coales out of old old pieces but it coalesced as a governing philosophy in the late 1970s and early 1980s in response to a crisis in American and world society that happened at that... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌚 The conservative movement emerged as a response to societal crises in the late 1970s and 1980s, but its answers to those problems are becoming obsolete in the face of new challenges.
• 👶 Advanced societies are encountering new problems, including income inequality, environmental issues, migration, ethical dilemmas in biotechnology, and merging security with technology.
• 🍂 Traditional conservatism and liberalism both fall short in providing adequate answers to these challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led to the emergence of the conservative movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s?

The conservative movement arose in response to economic strain, social disarray, and a loss of national identity during that period. It offered solutions to open up the economy, reduce government involvement, and address social problems based on traditional values.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by advanced societies today that traditional conservatism doesn't offer answers to?

Advanced societies are grappling with issues like income inequality, environmental problems, migration, the morality of biotechnology advancements, and the fusion of security with technological possibilities. Traditional conservatism doesn't adequately address these challenges.

Q: Who are some experts or thinkers addressing the issue of declining birth rates and its implications?

Nicholas Eberstadt, a brilliant colleague at the American Enterprise Institute, is one of the leading experts on population and the challenges posed by declining birth rates.

Q: How can we address income inequality and its distribution of wealth in society?

Income inequality is a complex issue, and there are various ideas and theories on how to tackle it. However, finding effective and comprehensive solutions is still an ongoing process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The conservative movement emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s in response to societal crises, offering solutions like reducing government intervention and restoring traditional values.

• While these conservative ideas brought success in the past, they have become obsolete in the face of new problems like income inequality, environmental concerns, and ethical implications of technological advancements.

• There is a need for a new kind of politics that addresses these challenges and formulates answers to issues of demography, environment, morality, income inequality, and national security.