Histories of the American Right

Catalog description

Since the rise of Donald Trump, many commentators have warned against the growing extremism of right-wing politics in the United States and around the world. These warnings raise important questions about the nature and evolution of the American right. What is the right, and how has it changed over time? Was it really more moderate in the past? What are the origins of the different factions within the U.S. right (i.e. libertarian vs. conservative, globalist vs. nationalist, etc.), and how has the relationship between them changed over time? How have conservative elites responded to right-wing violence in the past? How have various racial and class realignments changed right-wing politics over the last century? How have liberals and the left responded to these shifts? What can a historical perspective tell us both about the present and future of the right and American democracy more broadly? We will explore these questions through a wide range of texts, including primary sources by right-wing intellectuals, activists, and politicians, as well as historical scholarship about them. Readings may include works by Huey Long, William Buckley, Barry Goldwater, Kevin Phillips, and Michael Anton. In addition to essays and weekly response papers, students will collaborate on a podcast episode based on our readings and class discussion.