The New Jacobinism: America as Revolutionary State

by Claes G. Ryn

This strongly and lucidly argued book gave early warning of a political-intellectual movement that was spreading in the universities, media, think-tanks, and foreign-policy and national security establishment of the United States.  That movement claims that America represents universal principles and should establish armed global hegemony. Claes G. Ryn demonstrates that, although this ideology is often called “conservative” or “neoconservative,” it has more in common with the radical Jacobin ideology of the French Revolution of 1789.  The French Jacobins selected France as savior of the world. The new Jacobins have anointed the United States. The author explains that the new Jacobinism manifests a precipitous decline of American civilization and that it poses a serious threat to traditional American constitutionalism and liberty. The book’s analyses and predictions have proved almost eerily prophetic. President George W. Bush made neo-Jacobin ideology the basis of U.S. foreign policy, and it continues to exercise great influence in both parties. This new edition of a modern classic contains a thought-provoking afterword by the author that brings the book up to date.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy

163 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Noah Mickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The greatest exposition of Straussian influence on the so-called "conservative" movement in America. Its warning from 1991 is still relevant almost 30 years later, as both the Democratic and Republican parties, with very little difference, are neo-Jacobin. The ideals they may wish to espouse may differ, but their belief in an empire of "democratic capitalism" or "liberal egalitarianism" is still an empire. I highly recommend it.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of modern politics in America (post 80s) although it only just scratches the surface. This was a very easy and engaging read. I wish a more thorough volume was written by Ryn, expanding on what he only just primed here.