Conservatives without Conscience

Conservatives without Conscience examines the transformation of American conservatism through the lens of former Nixon White House Counsel John Dean. The book draws from Dean's unique insider perspective and his planned collaboration with Barry Goldwater to analyze the modern Republican Party. The text relies heavily on psychological research about authoritarianism, particularly the work of Professor Bob Altemeyer from the University of Manitoba. Dean explores how authoritarian personalities and tendencies have influenced conservative politics and leadership in the United States. The book traces the evolution from traditional conservatism to what Dean identifies as a more radical movement, focusing on key figures and pivotal moments that shaped this transition. It examines the rise of the Religious Right and its impact on conservative ideology and political strategy. This analysis raises fundamental questions about the nature of political movements and how they can shift from their original principles. The work stands as both a historical document and a framework for understanding the dynamics of political transformation.

Readers find Dean's research thorough and appreciate his insider perspective as a former Nixon staffer analyzing authoritarian tendencies in modern conservatism. Many cite the book's psychological frameworks and empirical studies as adding credibility to his arguments. Readers praise: - Clear connections between psychological research and political behavior - Historical context of conservative movement evolution - Documentation and source citations - Personal anecdotes from Dean's time in government Common criticisms: - Some perceive partisan bias in analysis - Writing style can be dry and academic - Repetitive points in certain chapters - Focus on psychology over policy specifics Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) Representative review: "Dean backs his claims with extensive research, but occasionally lets his personal views overshadow the analytical framework. Still, the psychological insights into political behavior make this a worthwhile read." - Goodreads reviewer

The Authoritarians by Bob Altemeyer Research-based examination of authoritarian personalities in politics and their impact on democratic institutions.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer Investigation into the network of wealthy donors who influence conservative politics and policy in America.

Democracy in Chains by Nancy MacLean Historical account of the intellectual roots of the radical right's stealth plan to fundamentally alter American governance.

The Family by Jeff Sharlet Investigation into the role of religious fundamentalism in American political power structures.

Shadow Network by Anne Nelson Mapping of the interconnected conservative organizations, media outlets, and funding sources that shape American politics.

🔹 Dean wrote this book after discovering that his 1976 memoir "Blind Ambition" shared themes with studies on authoritarian behavior, leading him to collaborate with psychologist Bob Altemeyer. 🔹 The book's title is a response to Barry Goldwater's 1960 classic "The Conscience of a Conservative," which Dean believed represented a drastically different form of conservatism than what emerged in later decades. 🔹 As White House Counsel from 1970-1973, John Dean became the first administration official to directly implicate President Nixon in the Watergate cover-up during his Senate testimony. 🔹 The research cited in the book indicates that approximately 23% of the American population exhibits strong authoritarian tendencies, regardless of their political affiliation. 🔹 Originally, Dean planned to write this book with Senator Barry Goldwater before the senator's health declined in the 1990s, leading Dean to complete the project solo after Goldwater's death in 1998.