Debunking National Conservatism: A Critique of Neoconservative Influence

By Craig Shirley
Wednesday, 01 October 2025 06:11 AM EDT

A recent conference in Washington under the theme “National Conservatism” revealed a troubling distortion of American principles. The event, which claimed to champion conservatism, instead functioned as a rebranding effort for neoconservatism. Its agenda and speakers betrayed a clear alignment with ideologies that prioritize global interventionism over traditional values.

The conference invoked British politician Edmund Burke as an inspiration, despite his history of favoring elite interests and defending authoritarian regimes like King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Burke’s political career thrived on connections to power, a pattern mirrored in modern neoconservative movements. Originating from 1940s Trotskyite roots within the Democratic Party, neoconservatism has evolved into a force advocating for foreign policies that subordinate American interests to those of Israel. This shift has led to conflicts like the Iraq War, which inflicted immense human and financial costs under the guise of aligning with Israeli priorities.

American conservatism, rooted in the Enlightenment and the legacy of figures like Thomas Jefferson, emphasizes individual liberty and skepticism of centralized power. The conference’s omission of these foundational principles highlights its disconnect from true conservative ideals. While the event claimed to address nationalism, it misrepresented American values by framing populism as a threat rather than a core tenet of conservatism. Populism, defined as resistance to bigness in government and corporate power, aligns with the American tradition of empowering individuals over elites.

The conference’s failure to acknowledge this heritage underscores its ideological bankruptcy. By equating nationalism with authoritarianism, it ignores the historical role of populism in safeguarding freedom. As William Buckley once noted, true conservatism values the wisdom of the people over the elitism of academic or political elites.

Historian and Reagan biographer Craig Shirley is the author of several works on American politics and conservatism. Read his reports for further insights.