The National Review

Author(s):

The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

Editor(s):

The Editors of The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

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Founded by William F. Buckley Jr. in 1955, National Review champions conservative ideals: liberty, limited government, free markets, and tradition.
It shapes conservative thought, emphasizing fusionism and distancing from extremists to enhance conservatism’s credibility.
Led by influential figures like Buckley and George Will, the magazine, now helmed by Rich Lowry and Ramesh Ponnuru, remains a significant conservative voice in print and digital formats.

Introduction

Founded on November 19th, 1955, National Review is a prominent conservative magazine in the United States. William F. Buckley Jr. launched the publication to counter what he saw as the dominance of liberal ideas in mainstream media. Notable figures involved with its launch included Revilo P. Oliver, Russell Kirk, James Burnham, Frank Meyer, Willmoore Kendall, L. Brent Bozell, Garry Wills, and Whittaker Chambers, a former Communist spy turned anti-Communist.

Mission

The magazine’s mission is to provide a platform for conservative thought, promoting individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

History

National Review cover for August 30, 2010.

National Review has been influential in shaping conservative thought and fostering a vibrant conservative intellectual community. Its articles, essays, and editorials have tackled a wide range of topics, from economics and foreign policy to cultural and social issues. The National Review continues to play a significant role in the conservative movement, providing a platform for conservative voices and serving as a source of conservative commentary and analysis.

During the early 1960’s, National Review heavily promoted Barry Goldwater and played a key role in his campaigns. It aimed to define and expand the boundaries of conservatism through fusionism. The magazine marginalized extremists, including the John Birch Society and anti-Semites. It denounced segregationist George Wallace and worked to remove anti-Semitism from the conservative movement. Under Buckley’s leadership, the magazine sought to increase the respectability of the conservative movement and purged its ranks of extremists.

Figures

William F. Buckley Jr., 43, of New York City has been nominated by President Nixon as a member of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Information. He is shown here May 28th in photo taken outside the White House.

William F. Buckley Jr., a leading conservative intellectual, served as the National Review’s founding editor-in-chief. His eloquent writing and editorial leadership shaped the magazine’s early years. Notable people associated with the National Review include influential conservative thinkers such as George Will, Charles Krauthammer, and Thomas Sowell.

Currently, Rich Lowry serves as the editor-in-chief, while Ramesh Ponnuru serves as the editor. The magazine has also embraced the digital realm through National Review Online, edited by Philip Klein, offering both free and subscription-based content. National Review remains a leading voice on the American right, contributing to the development of conservative thought and providing a platform for conservative perspectives.

Events

The National Review organizes various events and programs to advance its mission. It hosts the biennial William F. Buckley Jr. Prize Dinner, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to conservative thought and public discourse. The magazine also holds conferences and symposiums on topics ranging from policy issues to conservative intellectual debates.