The Shifting Sands of Conservatism: Think Tanks Face a Modern National Challenge
The landscape of conservative thought is undergoing a significant transformation, prompting a critical examination of the role and future of influential think tanks. A conference at the Université de Toulon on April 7, 2026, will delve into this evolving dynamic, specifically exploring how the rise of national conservatism presents a challenge to established Anglo-American think tanks traditionally focused on neoliberal economics and social conservatism. The event, titled “Yearning for the nation-state”?, will feature a presentation by Virgile Lorenzoni, a leading scholar in the field of British and American political ideologies.
For decades, think tanks played a pivotal role in shaping the political agendas of leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. These organizations, fueled by a blend of economic liberalism and social conservatism, developed transnational networks that promoted free markets and globalization. However, the emergence of national conservatism – a strain of thought prioritizing the nation-state and its role in preserving economic and social order – is forcing a re-evaluation of these established structures and their core tenets. This shift raises fundamental questions about the future direction of conservative intellectualism and its influence on policy-making.
Virgile Lorenzoni, currently a Maître de conférences (Associate Professor) in British and American Civilization at Aix Marseille Université, is uniquely positioned to lead this discussion. His doctoral research, completed in December 2024 at Aix-Marseille University, focused specifically on British and American conservative think tanks in a transnational context after 1945, examining their origins, evolution, and resilience. Lorenzoni’s expertise, as detailed on his university profile, centers on contemporary British and American politics, the history of political ideas, and the ideology of conservatism, making him a key voice in understanding this intellectual crossroads. His faculty page at Aix Marseille Université provides further details on his academic background and research interests.
The Legacy of Thatcher and Reagan: A Transnational Network
The late 20th century witnessed the rise of a powerful network of think tanks that provided intellectual support for the conservative revolutions led by Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom and Ronald Reagan in the United States. These institutions weren’t simply domestic policy shops. they actively cultivated transnational connections, facilitating the spread of neoliberal ideas across the Atlantic and beyond. This network championed policies centered on market liberalization, deregulation, and reduced government intervention, fundamentally reshaping the economic and political landscape of both countries and influencing global trends.
Lorenzoni’s research highlights how these think tanks weren’t merely conduits for existing ideas but actively shaped and refined conservative thought. They provided a coherent intellectual framework for policies that might otherwise have lacked broad appeal, and their ability to disseminate these ideas through publications, conferences, and media outreach proved remarkably effective. The success of this model, however, relied on a specific set of assumptions about the benefits of globalization and the primacy of free markets – assumptions that are now being challenged by the resurgence of national conservatism.
The Rise of National Conservatism: A Challenge to the Status Quo
National conservatism represents a departure from the traditional Anglo-American conservative emphasis on economic liberalism. It prioritizes the interests of the nation-state, advocating for policies that protect domestic industries, control borders, and preserve national identity. This shift reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the perceived negative consequences of globalization, including economic inequality, cultural erosion, and a loss of national sovereignty.
This new strain of conservatism isn’t necessarily opposed to all forms of market economics, but it places a greater emphasis on the role of the state in regulating the economy and protecting national interests. It similarly tends to be more skeptical of international institutions and agreements, favoring a more assertive and independent foreign policy. The conference at the Université de Toulon will explore how these evolving priorities might disrupt the established order within the world of conservative think tanks.
Virgile Lorenzoni’s Academic Background and Research
Virgile Lorenzoni’s academic trajectory demonstrates a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of conservative thought. He qualified as a university lecturer in 2025 (11th section of the CNU, Anglophone Studies) after earning his doctorate in Anglophone Studies from Aix-Marseille University in 2024. His master’s degrees, completed in 2018 and 2017, focused on English language teaching and English civilization, respectively. He also holds a Master of Arts in Anglo-American Culture from Aix-Marseille University, with a thesis examining the critique of the Human Rights Act 1998 by the British right. His Academia.edu profile showcases his published research, including work on the dissemination of neoliberal ideas and the role of British think tanks during Brexit.
Lorenzoni’s dissertation, “British and American conservative think tanks in a transnational perspective after 1945: origins, evolution and resistance,” provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical development and influence of these organizations. His research, supervised by Isabelle Vagnoux and Valérie André at Aix-Marseille University, was defended on December 13, 2024, before a panel of experts including Françoise Coste, Karine Tournier-Sol, Julien Zarifian, and Agnès Alexandre-Collier. This rigorous academic foundation positions him as a leading authority on the subject matter of the upcoming conference.
Implications for the Future of Conservative Thought
The conference at the Université de Toulon represents a timely and important intervention in the ongoing debate about the future of conservatism. As national conservatism gains traction, think tanks will need to adapt to this changing landscape or risk becoming irrelevant. The question is whether they can successfully integrate the concerns of national conservatives into their existing frameworks, or whether a fundamental realignment of conservative thought is necessary.
The event will likely explore the challenges and opportunities facing think tanks as they navigate this new terrain. Will they embrace national conservatism, attempt to moderate its influence, or remain steadfast in their commitment to neoliberal principles? The answers to these questions will have significant implications for the future of conservative politics and policy-making, both in the United States and Europe. The discussion promises to be a crucial step in understanding the evolving dynamics of conservative ideology in the 21st century.
The conference is scheduled for 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Room W1.115 of Building W1 on the Campus de la Garde at the Université de Toulon. It is part of a seminar series on “Conceptions of the Nation” organized by the contemporary Anglophone World team at the Babel Laboratory.
Key Takeaways:
- National conservatism is challenging the dominance of neoliberalism within conservative thought.
- Think tanks, historically influential in shaping conservative policy, are facing a period of reassessment.
- Virgile Lorenzoni, a leading scholar in the field, will present insights into this evolving dynamic at a conference on April 7, 2026.
- The conference will explore the historical roots of conservative think tanks and their potential future.
Further updates and information regarding the conference can be found on the Université de Toulon’s website. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important topic in the comments section below.
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