Vance influences | Clever Rebel

Vance Has Risen

JD Vance, a prominent figure within the MAGA movement, stands out as a national Republican deeply enmeshed in the elite conservative intellectual sphere, often referred to as "the New Right" or "the dissident right." His journey from a Never-Trump conservative to a fervent MAGA advocate has been significantly shaped by his relationships with a unique cadre of conservative thinkers and writers. Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Vance's Influences

In a recent piece for POLITICO Ian Ward spotlights seven figures who have influenced Vance, each promoting distinct and sometimes competing ideologies, share a common belief that the liberal project of progress has failed, particularly in the realms of economic liberalization, technological advancement, and social hierarchy leveling.

He discussed his research and findings on DemocracyNow! with Amy Goodman. DemocracyNow!

If the upcoming elections favor the GOP, their ideas could profoundly impact the future trajectory of the United States. Here are the key thinkers and groups that have shaped JD Vance’s political journey. Canva

Patrick Deneen

A political theory professor at Notre Dame, known for critiquing liberalism and advocating for a communitarian, postliberal order focused on conservative and religious values. Notre Dame

Peter Thiel

Tech billionaire, venture capitalist, and Vance’s former boss, promoting the idea that liberal ideologies and government bureaucracy have hindered technological and societal progress. Wikimedia

Curtis Yarvin

Ex-computer programmer and neo-reactionary blogger, advocating for a monarchical leader to replace the current democratic oligarchy. Wikimedia

René Girard

Philosopher and literary critic, known for his theories on mimetic rivalry and scapegoating, influencing Vance's conversion to Catholicism. Wikimedia

Sohrab Ahmari

Writer and editor, advocating for a new style of working-class conservatism rooted in Catholic social democracy, close with Vance and a promoter of Trump and Vance’s politics. Wikimedia

The Claremont Institute

Intellectual hub for the Trumpist right, advocating a return to founding American principles and opposing administrative state and “woke” initiatives, closely tied to Vance. Claremont Institute

Rod Dreher

Orthodox Christian writer and leader of the “crunchy cons,” promoting a countercultural Christian conservatism, and a long-time supporter and friend of Vance. Wikimedia

The Echo Chamber

From political theorists and venture capitalists to neo-reactionary bloggers and Orthodox Christian writers, these influential ideologues have collectively molded Vance's worldview, positioning him as a key player in the ongoing transformation of the Republican Party to a new, far. Canva