Christopher Caldwell On The Rising Right In Europe

A recent discussion centers on the implications of a new war initiated by the U.S. and Israel, which has been characterized as a significant turning point in Donald Trump's political trajectory and the broader landscape of the Republican Party. Chris Caldwell, a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, emphasizes that this military action represents a betrayal of Trump's core supporters, who expected a non-interventionist approach. Caldwell argues that the decision to engage in conflict has alienated many within Trump's base, undermining the economic agenda that initially resonated with working-class voters.

The conversation also delves into the evolving dynamics of Republican foreign policy, highlighting a divide between interventionist and non-interventionist factions. Figures like J.D. Vance are seen as representatives of a new conservatism that prioritizes skepticism toward military engagement, while others, like Marco Rubio, advocate for a return to more traditional interventionist policies. The discussion reflects broader concerns about the party's identity and the challenges it faces in reconciling these differing viewpoints in light of recent events.

Additionally, the dialogue touches on the shifting attitudes toward Israel within both major political parties, noting a growing anti-Israel sentiment among younger Republicans. This change is seen as part of a larger trend that could reshape the Republican Party's stance on foreign policy and its relationship with Israel, further complicating the political landscape as the midterms approach.

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My old friend Chris — the most intelligent, sane, and well-read conservative thinker writing in America today — returns to the Dishcast for his fourth appearance. He’s a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a contributing editor to the Claremont Review of Books, a contributing writer for the NYT and The Spectator, and a member of the editorial committee of the French quarterly Commentaire. The episode was recorded on October 14, 2026, and aired on October 23. Timestamps for the main sections: * 03:57: The Iran debacle and Trump’s broken promise on wars * 33:11: Gaza and surging antisemitism on the left and right * 46:01: Germany and the rise of the AfD * 103:12: The political situation in France and Spain * 112:03: The state of the right in the UK * 129:30: What the GOP might look like after Trump is gone For two audio clips — on the lawfare against right-wing pols in Europe, and whether the Iran War will split Trump’s party — head to our YouTube page. More topics covered: the CIA cautioning against the Iran War; gas prices and inflation; China “laughing at us”; the Houthis harming global trade; Trump’s fickle moods; protectionism and tariffs; staggering corruption in crypto and other cons; Vought and Miller; Musk’s DOGE demolition; USAID and bias; Rubio’s expansive role; his Athens speech and thymos; Vance and “heritage Americans”; MAGA vs international alliances; Obama opposing the Iraq War; Howard Dean; the war in Gaza; Israel as Goliath; college protests and woke antisemitism; the Groypers and rising antisemitism on the right; the dark talents of Fuentes; the left’s rejection of nationalism; AfD and its origins; lesbian AfD leader Alice Weidel; Merkel and Syrian refugees; the surging popularity of Marine Le Pen; the Vox party in Spain; the fall of Starmer; the Restore and Reform parties; the waning influence of Farage; Count Binface; Kemi’s leadership; and Orwell’s views on Englishness.