Why the Right Is Embracing State Power

Fusionism posits that both liberty and virtue are essential for human flourishing, requiring a limited government to protect rights while civil society cultivates moral habits. This philosophy, rooted in the American founding, faces a significant challenge as the American Right shifts away from this consensus toward post-liberal, authoritarian frameworks. Many young people, feeling adrift, are increasingly drawn to illiberal "will to power" politics that prioritize using state coercion to defeat perceived enemies rather than fostering a free, pluralistic society. Addressing this crisis requires moving beyond technocratic policy debates to prioritize the rebuilding of civil society institutions, such as educational alternatives and diverse media ecosystems. By empowering individuals to solve problems locally rather than relying on state intervention, society can restore a sense of agency and purpose without sacrificing the foundational principles of a free, limited-government polity.