Conservative voters around the world are leaning into culture and away from economic issues. Sam Routley’s research found that Canadian conservatives cling to the 1980’s fusionism of traditional social policies and libertarian economics.

Can the 1980’s fusionism hold?

Will economic determinism help Conservatives to win elections today?

Links to articles

Decoding Canada’s Conservative Coalition

Sam’s Substack: The Country of Our Defeat

John Gray: Why I Am Not a Post-liberal

AI Summary

In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, Shawn dives into the evolving nature of Canadian conservatism. Joined by Sam Routley, a PhD student from the University of Western Ontario, the discussion begins with a basic inquiry: Are Canadian conservative ideas stuck in the past, or is there a renaissance in understanding what conservatism means today? They delve into Routley’s research on the ‘Decoding Canada’s Conservative Coalition’ piece, exploring the historical adherence to fusionism between free-market libertarianism and social traditionalism in Canada versus changes observed in other countries. Shawn further probes into whether economic policies alone can address contemporary societal issues or if a broader conversation about cultural and social values is necessary. Throughout the episode, they explore the nuances of economic determinism, the role of culture in conservative politics, and the future direction of conservatism in Canada. Don’t miss their thoughtful and engaging exploration of these pressing topics in modern conservatism.

00:00 Introduction: Canadian Conservative Voters

00:47 Welcome to Concepts with Shawn Whatley

01:02 Interview with Sam Routley: Decoding Canada’s Conservative Coalition

01:37 Fusionism in Canadian Conservatism

02:03 Canada’s Conservative Coalition: Research Findings

02:58 Discussion on Economic Determinism and Cultural Issues

03:42 Sam Routley’s Article and Substack

07:54 Fusionism Explained: US vs. Canada

25:37 Economic and Cultural Forces in Politics

33:33 The Role of Culture in Leadership and Innovation

35:32 The Cultural Focus of Conservatism

36:11 Economic vs Cultural Perspectives

37:11 The Role of the State in Culture

38:37 Contemporary Cultural Issues

42:06 Intellectual Conservatism and Canada’s Future

47:31 The Importance of Foundational Values

54:18 The Debate on Liberalism and Conservatism

01:03:33 Concluding Thoughts on Cultural and Political Change