The New Right: JD Vance, Silicon Valley, and the Future of American Conservatism

A New Vision for American Politics

The 2016 election of Donald Trump cracked the foundations of traditional American conservatism. From this fissure emerged the “New Right,” a group of thinkers, writers, and activists grappling with the future of the movement. No figure embodies this shift quite like JD Vance, whose recent selection as Trump’s running mate thrusts this nascent ideology onto the national stage.

Vance’s journey, from a childhood marked by hardship in Middletown, Ohio, to the hallowed halls of Yale Law School and the bustling epicenter of Silicon Valley, mirrors the New Right’s rejection of established norms. His experiences shape his political philosophy, which resonates deeply with a younger generation of conservatives yearning for change.

The Silicon Valley Connection: Tech Titans and Political Ideologies

Vance’s rise is inextricably linked to the influence of tech billionaire Peter Thiel, his mentor and financial backer. This connection highlights the surprising intersection of Silicon Valley and the New Right, where figures like Thiel, and others espouse a philosophy that questions the compatibility of freedom and democracy. They see themselves as architects of a new order, prepared to seize power in anticipation of a societal collapse. This techno-supremacist outlook, with its undertones of societal “exit” and the creation of network states—autonomous corporate-run territories—raises concerns about the potential undermining of democratic institutions.

“They believe anything is justified as long as they can protect their wealth from what they view is the unfair clutches of the public and of democracy,” observes journalist Gil Duran. "The threat here is on par with any terrorist group."

The Intellectual Underpinnings: From "Redpilling" to the "Cathedral"

The New Right draws inspiration from unconventional sources, including blogger Curtis Yarvin, also known as Mencius Moldbug. Yarvin’s concepts of "redpilling" – awakening to a hidden reality – and the "cathedral" – the elite institutions he believes control acceptable discourse – have infiltrated the New Right’s lexicon. These ideas find fertile ground among younger conservatives disillusioned with traditional political structures and information sources.

Vance's frequent references to Yarvin's ideas highlight the influence of this radical monarchist thinker, who views American democracy as a failed experiment in need of drastic reform. "We are in late Republic," Vance has stated, echoing Yarvin’s apocalyptic vision. "If we're gonna push back against it, we have to get pretty wild."

The Role of Religion and Pronatalism

Vance’s recent conversion to Catholicism adds another layer to the complex tapestry of New Right thought. For some, Catholicism provides a traditional, hierarchical framework that offers a stark contrast to the perceived moral relativism of modern liberalism. This spiritual orientation aligns with the New Right’s emphasis on family values, further solidifying the movement’s ideological foundation.

This emphasis on family extends to a pronatalist stance, advocating for increased childbearing. However, critics argue that this message, often intertwined with anxieties about declining birth rates among certain demographics, carries an undercurrent of nativism. The pronatalist view, combined with Vance's controversial remarks about "childless" Democrats, sparks debate about the true intent behind the New Right's family-focused rhetoric.

The Question of Influence: Project 2025 and the Future of Governance

The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a blueprint for reshaping the administrative state, crystallizes the New Right's ambition to exert control over the levers of government. Vance's contribution to Kevin Roberts’ new book, Dawn's Early Light, further cements his position as a leading voice within this movement.

“We need an offensive conservatism,” Vance writes, signaling a shift away from traditional conservative principles of limited government. This bold statement raises questions about the extent to which Vance, if elected vice president, would act on these beliefs, potentially reshaping American governance in profound ways.