A New American Right: The Movement Seeking to Reclaim Western Civilization — One Conservative Fortress at a Time
The Claremont Institute, a prominent think tank based in Southern California, has become a central hub for the pro-Trump right. However, a shift is underway as key figures from the institute and their allies are leaving California, their political and social views increasingly at odds with the state’s changing landscape. Instead, they are migrating to what they view as more congenial environments, seeking to establish "conservative fortresses" and reimagine America according to their vision of Western values. This exodus signals a growing movement within the Republican Party, one that aims to build a new American society grounded in Christian values, traditional families, and a more austere social order.
Key Takeaways:
- A New Generation of Conservative Activists A younger generation of conservatives, fueled by Trumpism and a sense of being under siege by secular culture, see themselves as part of a larger societal project, going beyond electoral politics.
- Building Fortresses of Conservatism: Seeking refuge from what they perceive as a hostile, progressive culture, these activists are relocating to states and regions deemed more welcoming to their worldview.
- The Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR): This all-male, invitation-only social organization, with ties to Claremont, aims to identify "local elites" and cultivate potential leaders for a future Trump administration or a broader conservative movement.
- The Great Sort: Many view themselves as participants in a “great sort,” a societal reordering in which conservatives and liberals naturally divide into more homogenous communities.
- Beyond Politics, A Cultural Revolution: The movement extends beyond politics, seeking to revitalize rural communities and promote a specific cultural aesthetic, including a revival of classical architecture and a conservative art movement.
Exodus from California:
The Claremont Institute’s president, Ryan P. Williams, moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in early April, joining former colleague Michael Anton, who relocated there two years prior. The institute’s vice president for operations and administration has also made the move. This geographic shift is not an isolated incident. These individuals, along with their followers, are seeking out new places to establish conservative communities.
One prominent figure in this movement is Skyler Kressin, a friend of Claremont leaders who shares their concerns about the perceived unraveling of Western civilization. Kressin moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 2020, part of what he sees as a broader need to "be engaged, we need to be building."
The Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR):
Kressin and Williams were instrumental in establishing the Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR), an all-male fraternal organization aimed at fostering conservative communities and building leadership networks. SACR chapters are currently forming in various states across the country, with membership ranging between seven and several dozen people.
SACR’s Vision for the Future:
SACR’s leaders describe their goals in sweeping and sometimes apocalyptic terms. They warn of a looming societal breakdown that will require armed, right-minded citizens to restore order. They advocate for the development of a "fraternal community" with a strong emphasis on in-person interaction, believing it will be essential to "identifying local elites" and cultivating potential future leaders for a conservative regime.
The Role of Claremont:
Claremont plays a significant role in this broader movement. Anton served in Trump’s National Security Council, and John Eastman, a Claremont board member, advised Trump’s 2020 election campaign. Eastman is currently facing criminal charges in Arizona and Georgia for his alleged involvement in attempts to overturn the election results.
Building Conservative Havens:
SACR is not alone in its efforts to establish conservative enclaves. Josh Abbotoy, the executive director of American Reformer, is moving to Middle Tennessee with his family, where he is developing a corridor of conservative havens between Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. Abbotoy sees this project as a "playbook" for future developments aimed at creating communities with shared conservative social values and a strong Christian cultural presence.
The Significance of Obergefell v. Hodges:
The Obergefell v. Hodges decision, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, was a defining moment for many conservatives, signifying a shift in the cultural landscape that they feel has increasingly worked against their values. This decision, according to figures within the movement, signaled the onset of a "negative world," a concept first proposed by conservative Christian writer Aaron Renn, that suggests Christian affiliation is viewed as a liability in elite society.
A New Approach to Conservatism:
This movement represents a significant departure from the approach taken by previous generations of conservative Christians, who focused on influencing secular institutions. Individuals within the movement believe that, given the current cultural climate, establishing their own havens and communities is essential to build a society that reflects their values.
A Quest for Rootedness:
This move toward establishing conservative enclaves is driven in part by a longing for a sense of rootedness and belonging, a feeling many in this generation feel is lacking in a rapidly changing world. Members of this movement often come from backgrounds of privilege and education, having left elite institutions to invest in conservative ventures.
A Shared Vision, Yet Diverse Voices:
Though united by a shared vision of a conservative future, the movement is not monolithic. Members represent different denominations, including Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, and charismatics. This diversity reflects the growing trend of conservative Christianity becoming a broadly shared cultural and political identity, with theological differences often taking a backseat to a more general stance against what they see as the excesses of secularism.
The Long Game:
These activists believe in a long-term project, one that will require patience and sustained effort. The goal is to create a lasting legacy, not just for themselves, but for future generations. As one member of the movement puts it, "If you don’t even start building a family culture, you’re doomed to fail."
Concerns and Criticism:
The movement has drawn criticism from those who see its focus on establishing enclaves and promoting certain cultural norms as problematic. Critics argue that this approach could lead to a more fractious society, potentially contributing to increased polarization and social divisions. Others express concerns about the potential for intolerance and violence within the movement, particularly given the apocalyptic rhetoric of some individuals and groups.
The Future of the Movement:
The movement’s long-term impact remains to be seen. However, the exodus of conservatives from California and the establishment of these "conservative fortresses" represent a significant shift within the American political landscape. The movement’s focus on building a new social order, grounded in traditional values and a strong Christian influence, could have far-reaching consequences for American culture as well as the country’s political trajectory.
