A New American Century | Dr. Kevin Roberts
The Ben Shapiro Show
Deep Dive
Why is the conservative movement undergoing a reformulation?
The conservative movement is reformulating to adapt its principles to current socioeconomic, political, and cultural circumstances. This involves a refounding of institutions and a focus on family-first policies to address existential crises like low marriage and fertility rates.
What are the key principles of the new conservative movement?
The new conservative movement emphasizes family, faith, and community, with a focus on public policy that supports marriage and childbirth within marriage. It also prioritizes national security and free markets, understanding that a healthy society leads to a healthy economy.
Why does Dr. Kevin Roberts believe faith is vital for family formation?
Faith plays a crucial role in decision-making for family formation, as it provides the moral and spiritual foundation for marriage and childbirth. Roberts emphasizes the importance of faith in public policy discussions, especially with a growing segment of the population finding religion less important.
What are the disincentives in public policy that discourage marriage and childbirth?
Public policy, particularly in tax policy, includes multiple disincentives that discourage marriage and childbirth within marriage. Roberts suggests eliminating these disincentives immediately to support family formation.
What role does Dr. Roberts see for federal policy in incentivizing family formation?
Roberts believes there is a role for federal policy in incentivizing family formation, similar to policies in Hungary, Israel, and Singapore. He suggests considering spending as much on family formation incentives as on defense, without relegating defense to a secondary priority.
Why does Dr. Roberts think the welfare state crowds out intermediate institutions?
The welfare state replaces intermediate institutions like churches, which used to provide community support and a sense of obligation. Government welfare checks eliminate the reciprocal duty that comes with community support, weakening local institutions and values.
What is Dr. Roberts' view on the proper application of force in foreign policy?
Roberts advocates for a realistic foreign policy that avoids the idealism of Wilsonianism. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of U.S. intervention and the need for a pragmatic approach that balances support for allies with the realistic assessment of what the U.S. can achieve.
Why does Dr. Roberts support a controlled burn approach to institutional regeneration?
Roberts supports a controlled burn approach to eliminate hollowed-out institutions and deadwood, allowing for healthy growth. This approach is necessary to address the rot within institutions like the FBI, DOJ, and Department of Education, which have become politically insulated and ineffective.
How does Dr. Roberts envision the long-term process of cleaning out institutions?
Roberts believes that cleaning out institutions will take a generation, requiring sustained political power and civil service reform. It involves focusing on all 4,500 politically appointed positions and reforming the civil service to reduce the authority of unelected bureaucrats.
What are the key priorities for the Trump administration in its first term?
The key priorities include closing the southern border, addressing the economy, and reforming the Department of Education. These actions are intended to build popular will and demonstrate the administration's commitment to conservative reforms.
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