William F. Buckley Jr. Shaped American Conservatism Legacy

Recent developments reveal significant internal conflicts within the populist right, highlighted by a public feud between President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, two influential figures who once appeared allied by their shared disdain for 'wokeness' and establishment norms. Their dispute, marked by mutual accusations of disloyalty and foolishness on social media, exemplifies the fracturing within conservative leadership that the political left eagerly observes. This discord reflects broader shifts in the conservative movement, which was historically shaped by William F. Buckley Jr., a pivotal figure who united various factions into a coalition that influenced American politics deeply through institutions like National Review and Young Americans for Freedom. Despite Buckley's legacy, contemporary conservatism under Trump has evolved, embracing economic protectionism and skepticism towards intellectual elites, signaling a departure from Buckley's more elitist and free-trade-oriented conservatism. These internal dynamics underscore the challenges facing the right as it navigates identity and leadership in the current political landscape. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical tensions persist, with comparisons drawn between Ronald Reagan's firm stance against the Soviet Union and current American responses to Russian aggression under Vladimir Putin, emphasizing ongoing struggles against authoritarianism on the world stage.