Issue 36

In this issue, we confront the spiritual and ideological battles shaping Europe’s future, reminding readers that true conservatism requires grappling with uncomfortable truths about faith, culture, and politics. Our focus on Portugal highlights its often-overlooked contributions to conservative thought, from authoritarian realism to classical liberal traditions, providing lessons for today’s fragmented Right.

This issue begins with our editorial statement (“Against King Whirl”), arguing that the frenzied rush toward an uncertain future should serve as a clarion call to more vigorously defend what is sacred.

Our Commentary & Features section opens with Iben Thranholm on the Bataclan Massacre, exploring the clash between secularism and faith. Camilo Pinheiro discusses “Reforging Transatlantic Cultural Diplomacy,” emphasizing the need for renewed alliances. Collin McMahon interviews Mike Benz on digital censorship and information warfare. Teresa Nogueira Pinto dissects the “Anatomy of a Soft Totalitarianism.” André P. DeBattista reflects on “Europe’s Benedictine Roots,” urging a return to monastic wisdom. Jorge González-Gallarza explores Brazilian philosopher Olavo de Carvalho‘s influence on global conservatism.

The issue features a 30-page special section on Portugal, showcasing its rich conservative heritage. Jerónimo Molina Cano’s “Salazar, Political Realist,” analyzes the dictator’s pragmatic governance. A.M. Fantini interviews the founders of the Trezeno Institute about revitalizing Portuguese conservatism. André Azevedo Alves examines “Classical Liberalism in Portugal,” tracing its historical evolution. Rafael Pinto Borges interviews the editors of the quarterly journal, Crítica XXI. Jóni Cardoso Coelho and Miguel Nunes Silva profile the forefather of Portuguese conservatism, José da Gama e Castro. Mariano Navarro interviews the editors of António Sardinha’s poems. A.M. Fantini interviews the founder of Senado on building conservative networks.

In the Essays & Interviews section: Bulcsú Hoppál interviews philosopher Josef Seifert about ethics and metaphysics. Jaime Nogueira Pinto shares “Thoughts on the Revolutionary Right,” dissecting radical conservative movements. Márton Békés outlines “A Conservative Revolution,” calling for cultural renewal. We include a recent speech by Prince Leo von Hohenberg, “In the Service of Peace,” drawing from Habsburg legacy. The third installment of A.M. Fantini’s interview with T. John Jamieson explores spiritual dimensions of civilization.

Every issue of The European Conservative features reviews for the intellectually curious reader: Shawn Phillip Cooper reviews Tom Holland’s translation of The Lives of the Caesars, praising its vivid portrayal of Roman excess. Anthony McCarthy critiques Diarmaid MacCulloch’s Lower Than Angels, questioning its take on human nature. Sebastian Morello examines Charles Coulombe’s The Compleat Monarchist, advocating for royalist principles. We also include an excerpt from Jean Raspail’s 2011 Preface to The Camp of the Saints, a prophetic warning on mass migration.

Sebastian Morello meditates on the “Lion & the Lily” rosé while enjoying the bucolic landscape of the West Midlands, while David Engels analyzes “The Cathars: Rejecting the World,” critiquing heretical dualism’s modern echoes.

Jaime Nogueira Pinto pays tribute to Edwin J. Feulner (1941-2025), celebrating the Heritage Foundation founder’s legacy in American conservatism.

The issue closes with Sebastian Morello on “The Phenomenology of Purgatory,” a philosophical exploration of purification; and Mark Dooley offering hope amid despair in “A Glimpse of Salvation.”

Our Autumn 2025 cover image was designed by Romée de Saint Céran.

As is true for every edition, all of the contributions were curated or commissioned by Alvino-Mario Fantini, editor-in-chief. The writers have diverse professional and intellectual backgrounds from politics and philosophy to the arts and popular culture.