In thinking about what a Donald Trump-led government might do, we might begin by studying the early moves of British Prime Minister Theresa May. Differences abound, but it is nevertheless striking how similar are the situations faced by these two leaders.
May could emerge as the most consequential political leader in Western politics in a generation. Yet, her situation differs from those encountered by past conservative leaders, who have typically entered office with agendas focused primarily on cutting spending, slashing taxes, curtailing regulations, and rebuilding the nation's international strength. Margaret Thatcher, for instance, confronted a moribund economy and a collectivist Labour Party. By contrast, May enters office in an age characterized by the dissipation of the national, civic, and relational institutions that shape citizens within a contextual bond of meaning and shared purpose. May's prudent insistence, in her recent Conservative Party Conference speech, that rebuilding these institutions must be a priority strikes the right note politically.
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