Most books on the national populist Right in the United States are by liberal critics who would rather swallow poison than be found in such circles. There are some exceptions, where defectors from the conservative camp – such as the historian and journalist Anne Applebaum – have broken with old friends and associates. And then there is Laura K Field, a political theorist who never bought into the politics of the American Right, but was immersed in an academic school known as Straussianism, after the Chicago-based émigré Leo Strauss (1899–1973).

Strauss taught that the great texts of philosophy had to be very closely read and scoured for esoteric meanings, since their ancient or medieval authors often had to conceal views that were heretical or sub- versive. Field calls this school of political philosophy ‘Ideas First’, since it downplays biographical, historical or social contexts in favour of transcendent principles – reason blended with revelation.

The otherworldly Strauss would be appalled by some of his current disciples. They hold sway in many universities and think-tanks, from which vantage point they denounce their liberal colleagues. Unleashed by Donald Trump, these conservatives are imposing their own brand of cancel culture: purging courses and disinviting guest lecturers while