RECOMMENDED READING
In the 1990s, I was referred to as the “guru of the communitarian movement,” although quite a few others deserved this title at least as much. I have hence been paying special attention to the sudden rise of a communitarian faction in the Republican party, led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), as well as Oren Cass and his organization, American Compass. The faction’s ideas—its rejection of the hyper-individualism of the libertarian ideology (which has captured much of the GOP), its concern for the common good, and its recognition that the government has a major positive role to play—are much-validated by the pandemic. Although not all the positions of the faction are aligned with communitarianism, there are many points of overlap. At the same time, claims that the motives of the faction are purely political, that it merely seeks a post-Trump populism, are misplaced. Politicians can spot trends and amplify them.
Recommended Reading
Tariffs are a bet on the free market rather than free trade
Innovation has stalled in a globalised era dominated by state-sponsored national champions.
Trade Deals in the Time of Tariffs
The reciprocal levies aimed at allies have been paused for 90 days, now what?
Trump’s tariffs aim to reset global trade — and boost America’s workers
President Trump ushered in a new era of US trade policy Tuesday — a national course correction after decades of unfair trade practices
