The Robert A Taft Club is a monthly meeting group of traditionalist conservatives and libertarians in the Washington DC area that was created and led by young conservatives. The Taft Club seeks lively debate on issues that the typical beltway conservative movement and The Conservative movement often avoids. To be informed of all meetings, to get more information, or to send a tax deductible contribution, please e-mail Marcus Epstein.

All Taft Club lectures and symposium are free and open to the public. However, we are a self supporting group, and we encourage all supporters and attendees to join the Club and make a contribution. Information on joining is availible here.

Next Meeting :

Russia: Friend or Foe

Srdja Trifkovic, Igor Zevelev, Nicolas Gvosdev, one more speaker TBA

When: Monday April 7 7:00-10:00 PM ---  Reception with light fare and pay bar at 7:00, program begins promptly at 8:00
Where: The Boulevard Woodgrill 2901 Wilson Blvd *Arlington, VA 22201
Parking and Directions

Both the establishment Right and Left believe that Russia poses a threat.  Hillary Clinton said Vladimir Putin "doesn't have a soul," while John McCain has complained that Russia is "opposed to the principles of the Western democracies" and has urged that they be kicked out of the G8 and a "league of democracies" be formed to counter their influence.  Is Russia an authoritarian threat, a potential ally, or simply a re-emerging world power who we need not antagonize.  To offer some unconventional wisdom our speakers will be:

Nikolas K. Gvosdev is Editor of The National Interest and a Senior Fellow of Strategic Studies at The Nixon Center.
 Dr. Gvosdev is a frequent commentator on U.S. foreign policy and international relations, Russian and Eurasian affairs, and developments in the Middle East.  He received his doctorate from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes Scholarship.
 Dr. Gvosdev is the author of six books, and most recently the co-author of The Receding Shadow of the Prophet: The Rise and Fall of Political Islam. He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
 

Srdja Trifkovic is director of The Rockford Institute's Center for International Affairs and foreign-affairs editor for Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture. He has worked for the Institute since 1999. He is the author of several books, including the bestselling Sword of the Prophet: Islam, History, Theology, Impact on the World. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Southampton and is the co-founder and executive director of the Lord Byron Foundation for Balkan Studies. Prior to joining the Institute, he held a variety of posts including broadcaster for BBC World Service and for Voice of America, correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution, and lecturer at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He has been published in, among others, the Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Philadelphia Inquirer.

Igor Zevelev: is currently Washington bureau chief for the Russian media outlet Novosti.  He was previously a professor of Russian studies at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and chief researcher at the Russian Academy of Science's Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Moscow. He was a fellow at the United States Institute of Peace during 1997–98.

One More speaker TBD:  A fourth speaker who has a critical view towards Russia will be announced shortly.

Contact Marcus Epstein for more information.

Previous Meetings:

This site will be updated with more pictures, video, and audio of events, as well as press about the Robert Taft Club and its meetings.

Darwin and Conservatism: Friend or Foes: Ron Bailey, Charles Murray, Tom Bethell, and John Derbyshire

A Conservative Foreign Policy: Rep. Ron Paul.

Conservatism and the GOP: Can the Marriage be Saved?: Terry Jeffrey, Richard Viguerie, Paul Gottfried, Jim Antle. (includes youtube videos)

The Religious Right and the Conservative Movement: Doug Bandow, Jim Russell, and Michael Tanner

Immigration, Multiculturalism, and the end of Free Speech in Europe: Frank Vanhecke, Filip Dewinter (includes Youtube video of lecture)

The Duke Lacrosse non Rape and its meaning: Richard Spencer, Robert Stacy McCain, and William Anderson

Race And Conservatism: Jared Taylor, John Derbyshire, and Kevin Martin (includes mp3) of the event

Do the American people get what they deserve?: Paul Gottfried, Jesse Walker, and Jim Bovard

Is The Conservative Movement Dead: Don Devine, Bruce Bartlett

Immigration and Civil Liberties: Dan McCarthy, William Anderson, Jim Pinkerton, and Carl Horowitz