What does it really mean to be a conservative?

As the 250th anniversary of American independence approaches, Dan McCarthy traces the deeper origins of American conservatism, not just to 1980s Reaganism or 1950s fusionism, but back to the political battles of Whigs and Tories in 18th-century England.

This episode offers a sweeping intellectual history that places today’s debates over populism, foreign policy, and national identity in long historical context.

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How well do Americans really understand monarchy, constitutionalism, and the actual causes of the American Revolution?

In this episode of Modern Age, editor Dan McCarthy peels back the mythology to explore the deep historical roots of the American system—going back to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the rise of the Whigs and Tories, and what those debates teach us about executive power, liberalism, and today’s populist backlash.

With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching in 2026, now is the time to confront the foundational question:
Was America founded as a liberal nation?

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What explains the growing divide between older and younger conservatives?

In this episode, Modern Age editor Dan McCarthy explores the ideological, cultural, and economic rifts between the Reagan-Buckley generation and Gen Z conservatives.

Is this a generational clash or the start of a new conservative movement?

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On the centennial of William F. Buckley Jr.’s birth, Dan McCarthy revisits the towering legacy of the man who shaped postwar American conservatism.

From founding National Review and leading ISI, to defining the modern Right’s anti-communist and anti-statist battles, Buckley was instrumental in reshaping American political discourse. But what did he truly conserve—and how should today’s conservatives evaluate his legacy?

In this episode of Modern Age, Dan explores:

-Buckley's early America First views and Cold War transformation
-The founding of ISI and National Review
-His battles against the New Deal and welfare state
-The culture wars in higher education
-Buckley's complex role in defining conservative orthodoxy
-His later reflections on Reagan, foreign policy, and conservatism's direction

Was Buckley a gatekeeper—or a unifier? And what can we learn from his successes and shortcomings in today’s very different political landscape?

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https://modernagejournal.com/the-last-word-on-william-f-buckley-jr-sam-tanenhaus-review/253620/

This week on Modern Age, Dan McCarthy breaks down the economic and cultural consequences of President Trump’s proposed 50-year mortgage and the broader housing crisis facing America.

From lifelong debt and falling birthrates to the decline of Jeffersonian ideals, Dan explores the deeper roots of the affordability crisis—and why today’s policy responses might do more harm than good.

Can conservatives offer a real path toward ownership, stability, and the American dream? Or are we locking the next generation into a lifetime of financial servitude?

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This week on Modern Age, Dan McCarthy explores a pivotal legal and constitutional question: Can President Trump impose tariffs on his own authority? With the Supreme Court hearing a case that challenges his use of emergency powers under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), this episode dives deep into the legal history, economic rationale, and political stakes.

What counts as a national emergency? Is a 50-year trade deficit reason enough?

Dan examines both sides of the debate—and explains why this case could shape the future of presidential power in foreign policy and trade.

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In this episode, Modern Age editor Dan McCarthy explores how Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy has evolved into something bigger—a coalition of nationalists reshaping international politics.

Dan unpacks how this emerging coalition differs from the old liberal internationalism, why nationalism doesn’t have to mean isolationism, and how a shared strategic outlook could counter growing threats from China and other authoritarian powers.

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In this episode of Modern Age, Dan McCarthy explores President Trump’s evolving strategy toward Latin America—and what it tells us about the new Cold War with China. From supporting Argentina’s Javier Milei to tightening pressure on Venezuela, Trump’s policies challenge conventional left and right critiques.

Dan discusses why Trump’s strategic approach may mark a return to Cold War realism and what’s at stake for the United States as China expands its influence in our own hemisphere.

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