The Hillsdale College article titled "National Conservatism, Freedom Conservatism, and Americanism" discusses the three waves of modern American conservatism. These waves are characterized by distinct ideological and political shifts within the conservative movement:
First Wave (Mid-1950s to End of Cold War): This wave is symbolized by figures like William F. Buckley, Jr. and Ronald Reagan. It united traditionalists, who emphasized virtue, and classical liberals, who prioritized liberty. A key concept during this period was "fusionism," which argued that freedom was essential for a virtuous society. The common cause of anti-communism helped maintain unity among conservatives during this time.
Second Wave (1990s to Early 21st Century): Represented by Paul Ryan and the Bush presidencies, this phase embraced globalization and free trade, supporting policies like the North American Free Trade Agreement and China's entry into the World Trade Organization. It also involved increased immigration and a focus on spreading democracy globally.
Third Wave (Ongoing): This wave is characterized by a nationalist-populist revolt against the second wave's policies, particularly concerning immigration, trade, and national identity. Figures like Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump are prominent in this wave. The third wave emphasizes "immigration moderation" and a focus on national sovereignty and identity. The article also highlights the current divide between National Conservatives (NatCons) and Freedom Conservatives (FreeCons), which reflects the ongoing tension between third-wave and second-wave conservatives.
This article states that the third wave is more like Buckley and Reagan conservatism than the second wave is.
That’s a good encapsulation IMO, and the observation that the 3rd wave is more like the 1st wave seems true.
Most conservatives probably started as 1st wavers, then became 2nd wavers in the post-Cold War years just by sort of going with the flow, but then realized that that was a mistake after getting mugged by the reality that globalization was a disaster, and so reverted back to something like a modified 1st wave mindset.
Most conservatives are now Trump conservatives but might be called Neo-1st Wave conservatives if we use the article’s categories. The difference between 1st Wave and Neo 1st Wave is that Neo 1st Wave are painfully aware that we are now in a post-virtue America and have pragmatically adapted to that to some degree. And we have had our eyes opened to the bad effects of globalist warring and globalist trade through painful direct experience. We liked the idea of those things but now see that they were in error.
Essentially Trump conservatives are Reagan conservatives who have been battle hardened or perhaps shell shocked by what has happened to the country over the past 30 years. We have ditched our rose colored glasses in many ways and become grittier, hence Trump.