Karol Nawrocki will perform at CPAC. An expert explains what this famous conference is all about
As the political scientist notes, the effectiveness of this visit largely depends on whether the president manages to convincingly present issues that are key to the Polish raison d'état. It is primarily about maintaining the American military presence in Europe, drawing attention to the threat from Russia and reminding that the war in Ukraine remains an issue with global consequences. This is particularly important in conservative circles in the USA, where – as the expert points out – “these topics are currently very controversial.”
At the same time, it reminds that CPAC is today rather an intrapolitical event. It does not attract world leaders and does not offer such a range of bilateral meetings as the largest security forums. — This is not a Davos or Munich conference. First of all, it serves as a political convention of the American right, he adds.
The New American Right: From Reagan to MAGA
For years, CPAC has been considered a place that sets the direction of American conservatism – increasingly also on a global scale. But what is the right wing like in the US today? The expert points out that – contrary to popular belief – there is no single profile of a conservative. Apart from fringe groups such as libertarians, the main divisions are between the traditional right wing in the style of Ronald Reagan and the new right centered around the MAGA movement.
The former – more similar to the old establishment of the Republican Party – focused on a free market economy, a strong army and an active international policy, supported by alliances and ready to confront authoritarian states such as Russia or China. The second, dominating conservative media and CPAC today, represents a much more populist and isolationist approach. — It is a trend focused on internal problems – from illegal immigration to the cost of living – and deeply involved in the culture war – explains the expert.
From the point of view of Poland's interests, the Reagan trend would be much more favorable. Unfortunately, as the interlocutor admits, it is currently in retreat.
Trump and CPAC: Common Line or Growing Fissures?
CPAC has been associated with Donald Trump for years, but – as the expert notes – there is no complete convergence between the movement's narrative and the administration's actions. — The CPAC conference is now largely a platform for support and mobilization of voters for Donald Trump, but there are some discrepancies between the dominant narrative and the administration's actions, he notes.
The most important difference concerns foreign policy. — While Trump assured of his will to limit US activity in the world, today his team's entire attention is focused on the Middle East – adds Dr. Tomasz Smura.
This not only takes up resources, but – as the expert emphasizes – “translates into rising fuel prices, which will affect the situation of consumers throughout the USA.” Effect? – This leads to new divisions within the MAGA movement and accusations against Trump of betraying his own agenda – he says.
CPAC then and now. “It's almost a completely different conference”
Not only has the right wing changed, but so has CPAC itself. Ten years ago, it was a forum for meetings between various factions of the Republican Party. Today – as the interlocutor says – it is a space dominated by one trend. “It's almost a completely different conference, which also reflects changes on the American right,” says an expert from the Foundation. Kazimierz Pułaski.
The voice of traditional, establishment conservatism used to be strong there. Today, the ideas and language of the MAGA movement dominate – a populist, isolationist and culture war-focused approach. — Today, this conference is dominated by the MAGA faction with its characteristic narrative, the expert concludes.
