New Book Dissects the Rise and Decline of American Fusionist Conservatism

In Fusionism: Liberty, Virtue and the Future of the American Right, Stephanie Slade maps the intellectual genealogy of American conservatism from Hayek’s early writings to one outlet’s mid-century surge, highlighting Frank S. Meyer’s role in framing the tension between liberty and tradition. The narrative follows the movement’s ascent through Barry Goldwater’s campaign, its consolidation under Ronald Reagan, and its subsequent erosion during the administrations of George H.W.

Bush and George W. Bush, which Slade attributes to neoconservative influences. She critiques the recent rightward shift toward Trump, nationalism, and “pitchfork populism,” noting that these trends misplace blame on Reagan’s fusionism. Slade proposes that a future revival depends on embracing non-coercive policies, small-government principles, and a moral passion reminiscent of 1960s fusionist leaders. The book concludes with a call for contemporary scholars and activists to re-engage with the freedom-tradition synthesis to address modern challenges.