Far-Right Vanguard: The Radical Roots of Modern Conservatism

John Huntington's book "Far-Right Vanguard" explores how the far right has influenced American politics for nearly a century, pushing conservative ideas and shaping the Republican Party. Ultraconservatives, seeking to turn one of the major parties into a bastion of true conservatism, built their movement through grassroots institutions and produced a hyper-partisanship that consumed conservatism and the Republican Party.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Donald Trump's surprising victory in the 2016 US presidential election was a testament to the growing influence of the far-right in American politics. While the electoral surprise may have caught many off guard, Trump's far-right views were not a sudden development or a recent phenomenon. In his book, Far-Right Vanguard, John Huntington delves into the historical roots and evolution of the far-right movement in the United States.

The far-right has been a force to reckon with for nearly a century, exerting pressure on mainstream conservatives and shaping the course of American politics. Ultraconservatives of the twentieth century played a pivotal role in shaping modern conservatism within the Republican Party. They were true reactionaries, seeking to roll back the progress of the liberal state and transform one of the major parties into a bastion of genuine conservatism.

Despite being often marginalized as outliers, the far right emerged from the same ideological soil as mainstream conservatism. Ultraconservatives were dissidents who opposed the expansion of the state and the influence of liberalism. They believed in the power of individualism, limited government, and traditional values and sought to reclaim them from the forces of modernity.

The far-right movement was built through grassroots institutions such as the John Birch Society and Christian Crusade, which served as critical nodes in the ultraconservative network. These organizations brought together activists, politicians, and businessmen who shared a common vision of a conservative America. The movement's vibrant, interconnected web formed its connective tissue, pushing far-right ideas into the political mainstream.

Conspiracy theories, nativism, white supremacy, and radical libertarianism permeated far-right organizations. Ultraconservatives believed in a world where the government was corrupt, the media was biased, and foreign powers were conspiring to undermine American sovereignty. They saw the United States as a Christian nation and believed that it was under threat from secularism, multiculturalism, and liberalism.

The far-right's influence on American politics has been significant. It has helped shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and even elect politicians to office. However, its extreme views and tactics have also sparked widespread criticism and opposition. The rise of the far-right has raised concerns about the threat to democracy, social cohesion, and human rights.

In conclusion, Far-Right Vanguard provides a comprehensive exploration of the history, national network, influence, and centrality of the far-right movement in American politics. John Huntington's book sheds light on the forces that have shaped the far-right and its impact on American society. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of contemporary American politics and the ongoing struggle for conservatism's future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780812253474