Up From Conservatism: Why the Right is Wrong for America

Up From Conservatism presents Michael Lind's analysis of modern American conservatism and his argument for why its policies and philosophies are detrimental to the nation. As a former conservative who worked at prominent right-wing institutions, Lind draws from insider knowledge to examine the movement's evolution and impact. The book explores key conservative positions on economics, social issues, and foreign policy through historical context and contemporary examples. Lind traces the development of conservative ideology from the Cold War through the 1990s, focusing on its major figures and institutions. His investigation spans the relationship between religious conservatives and economic libertarians, the role of think tanks and media outlets, and the movement's approach to class and race in America. The analysis includes both intellectual foundations and practical political strategies employed by conservative leaders. The work stands as a critique of right-wing orthodoxy while also offering broader commentary on American political culture and the interplay between ideology and power. Through his examination, Lind raises questions about the nature of political movements and their influence on national identity.

Readers view this as a critique of modern conservatism from someone who left the movement. Reviews indicate the book resonates with former conservatives who became disillusioned with the Republican party. Readers appreciate: - Clear analysis of how conservatism shifted from traditional values - Historical context for the conservative movement's evolution - Personal perspective as a former conservative insider Common criticisms: - Arguments can feel repetitive - Some claims lack sufficient evidence - Writing style can be dry and academic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (19 ratings) Amazon: 3.2/5 (11 reviews) Sample reader comment: "Makes valid points about the disconnect between conservative ideology and working class interests, but gets bogged down in policy minutiae." - Goodreads reviewer Review data is limited, as the book is from 1996 and many original reviews are no longer online.

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🔷 Michael Lind was himself a former conservative who worked at prestigious right-wing institutions, including the Heritage Foundation, before publicly breaking with the movement in the 1990s. 🔷 The book argues that modern American conservatism represents a "Counter-Enlightenment" movement, opposing many of the core values of both classical liberalism and American democracy. 🔷 Published in 1996, the book predicted the rise of right-wing populism within the Republican Party nearly two decades before the Trump phenomenon. 🔷 Lind coined the term "welfare-state conservatism" to describe what he believed should replace movement conservatism, advocating for a mixture of free markets and strong social programs. 🔷 The author traces how the modern conservative movement was largely created by wealthy business interests in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction against the New Deal, rather than emerging organically from grassroots America.