Liberalism Is Under Siege. Conservatives Can Save It.

How can democratic countries resist their authoritarian rivals abroad at a time when illiberal ideas are on the rise at home? This was a challenge faced by the parties of the American and European center-left during the Cold War, when the need for a strong stand against the Soviet Union led them to break with communist sympathizers and pro-Soviet elements. A parallel problem is afflicting many of the democratic world’s conservative parties today.

As international rivalry intensifies, the core strategic task for the U.S.-led democratic community is to contain the geopolitical influence and political disruption caused by authoritarian great powers, namely China and Russia. Yet that task is made all the harder because illiberalism — and sympathy for those illiberal powers — is simultaneously surging among key actors on the political right. If the U.S. and its allies are to succeed in the great global rivalry of the 21st century, the right must confront the threat of illiberalism within its ranks — just as the left did during a previous twilight struggle in the 20th century.