PATHWAYS OUT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY A look into the conservative imaginary of the American moderate

Abstract

The dissertation that follows is a result of nearly two years of Zoom interviews with self-identified conservatives and/or former Republicans. In light of the changes brought forth by Trump and the new Republican Party, each of these individuals find themselves without a party to call their own. Situated during the heart of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the 2020 election, it is the story of how Donald Trump hijacked the Republican Party, and the lasting consequences polarization has on democratic institutions such as the United States. By giving voice to those previously silenced by political extremism, I argue in favour of a direct approach to political action using the methods commonly found within Anthropology. In doing so, we give voice to the individual previously silenced by extremism on both ends of the political spectrum.