One recent, somewhat chilly Friday night, I found myself in a queue that stretched for hundreds of meters from the ICC Sydney Theatre all the way up to Cockle Bay. The crowd was cheerful, talkative and clearly very keen to get past the heavy security and up into the theatre.

As my wife pointed out, there were a lot of older bald folks in the crowd. Thankfully not being quite yet in that demographic, I was still very curious about why so many people had forked out a decent amount of cash to listen to American journalist Tucker Carlson.

A few hours later I knew why. Not only is he a totally engaging and entertaining speaker, he also seemed to echo and elucidate a general unease that many of us feel about the current direction of our society. Despite his avowedly U.S. perspective, his words resonated with the Aussie crowd. Understanding why is of particular importance to anyone interested in the future of our society.

The political landscape in the United States has been significantly reshaped in recent years, largely due to the emergence of what has been loosely termed the “New Right.” This movement, distinct from traditional conservatism, has been championed by influential figures like Tucker Carlson, J. D. Vance and influential organisations such as American Compass. Yet clearly this is not a phenomenon limited to the U.S., as similar conservative movements have spontaneously emerged across the Western World.

The Emergence of the New Right

The New Right is characterised by a departure from the neoliberal consensus that has dominated conservative politics since the Reagan era. Instead of prioritising free markets and minimal government intervention, the New Right advocates for a more interventionist state, particularly in economic and cultural matters. This shift reflects a growing discontent with the economic and social policies that have, according to its proponents, failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens.

Tucker Carlson: A Voice of the New Right

Tucker Carlson, a prominent online host and political commentator, has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the New Right. Carlson’s nightly show on Fox News once drew millions of viewers. Yet after his contract with Fox was terminated he subsequently established the wildly popular Tucker Carlson Show on X.

Tucker’s rhetoric often reflects the core tenets of this new movement. He frequently criticises corporate power, globalisation, and the secretive political establishment, arguing that these forces have undermined American workers and communities.

Carlson’s critique of neoliberalism resonates with many Americans who feel left behind by the global economy. He advocates for policies that protect American jobs, support families, and preserve traditional values. This populist approach has broad appeal, cutting across traditional political divides and attracting a diverse audience. In addition he has an avowedly family and faith based focus.

And while the New Right is still a loosely defined phenomenon, it should be noted that Tucker is not alone challenging various manifestations of “the system” i.e. the deep state, neo-cons, cultural marxism and progressive wokeism. Other alt-right personalities, political activists, and commentators include Jack Posobiec, Charlie Kirk, John Daniel Davidson and Julie Kelly.

American Compass: Institutionalising the New Right

American Compass, a think tank founded by Oren Cass in February 2020, has played a pivotal role in providing intellectual backing for the New Right. The organisation seeks to develop a conservative economic agenda that departs from the free-market orthodoxy. American Compass argues that conservatives should embrace policies that support workers, strengthen families, and foster community cohesion.

The think tank’s research and policy proposals reflect a blend of economic nationalism and social conservatism. For example, American Compass advocates for industrial policy, labor rights, and family support programs. These positions challenge the traditional conservative emphasis on deregulation and tax cuts, suggesting a more active role for government in shaping the economy and society.

JD Vance: Bridging the New Right and Trumpism

Another significant figure in the New Right is J. D. Vance, author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, U.S. Senator and now Republican Vice-Presidential candidate. Vance’s journey from a critic of Trump to a vocal supporter underscores the convergence of the New Right with Trumpism. His campaign reflects the synthesis of economic populism and cultural conservatism that defines the New Right.

Vance’s alignment with Trump highlights the former president’s enduring influence on the conservative movement. Trump’s 2016 campaign and presidency laid the groundwork for the New Right by rejecting establishment politics and championing a nationalist agenda. As the 2024 election approaches, the New Right’s ideas are likely to play a central role in shaping the Republican platform, with figures like Vance and Carlson at the forefront.

Social Forces Driving the New Right

Several social forces have contributed to the rise of the New Right. One key factor is the growing economic inequality and the sense of economic insecurity among many Americans. The decline of manufacturing jobs, stagnant wages, and rising costs of living have fuelled discontent with the status quo. Many people feel that the political establishment, both Democratic and Republican, has failed to address these issues effectively.

Cultural changes have also played a significant role. The rapid pace of social change, particularly regarding issues like immigration, gender, and sexuality, has created a backlash among those who feel that traditional values are under threat. The New Right taps into this cultural anxiety, advocating for a return to more traditional norms and a rejection of what they see as excessive liberalism.

The New Right’s Impact on Conservative Politics

The rise of the New Right has significant implications for conservative politics in the United States. It represents a shift away from the pro-business, free-market policies that have defined conservatism for decades. Instead, the New Right emphasises the need for policies that protect American workers and preserve traditional values, seemingly the intellectual heir of John Stuart Mill, economic libertarianism and paleo-conservatism.

This shift has caused tensions within the conservative movement. While some Republicans embrace the New Right’s populist message, others remain committed to traditional conservative principles. This internal conflict is playing out in primaries and policy debates, shaping the future direction of the Republican Party.

Potential Influence in Australia and Europe

The emergence of the New Right in the United States raises important questions about its potential influence in other parts of the world, particularly in Australia and Europe. Both regions have seen the rise of conservative parties that share some similarities with the New Right, but the extent to which this movement will take hold remains to be seen.

In Australia, the Liberal-National Coalition has traditionally embraced free-market principles, but there are signs of a shift towards more populist and nationalist positions. Figures like Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison emphasized the need to protect Australian jobs and values, echoing some of the rhetoric of the New Right. However, the extent to which the Coalition will fully embrace this new approach is still uncertain.

In Europe, the rise of populist and nationalist parties suggests a fertile ground for New Right ideas. Parties like Reform UK, France’s National Rally, Italy’s Lega, and Hungary’s Fidesz share the New Right’s skepticism of globalisation and commitment to traditional values. However, the European context presents unique challenges, including the complexities of the European Union and diverse national interests.

Where Next?

‘The New Right represents a significant shift in conservative politics, driven by real economic and cultural discontent. Figures like Tucker Carlson, and organisations like American Compass have been instrumental in articulating and promoting this new vision. If the Trump Vance campaign wins the 2024 election, this emerging movement will continue to gain traction in the United States. However its potential influence on conservative politics in Australia and Europe remains an open question.