David Horowitz, American activist and author

David Joel Horowitz, born on January 10, 1939, is a prominent American author and commentator widely recognized for his staunchly conservative views. Throughout his prolific career, Horowitz has become a leading voice in the American conservative movement, advocating for principles often associated with traditionalism, limited government, and a robust national defense, particularly since his dramatic ideological shift from the radical left.

Founding and Leadership of Influential Conservative Organizations

Horowitz is best known for his pivotal role in establishing and leading several influential organizations that shape the discourse within the American conservative landscape:

• The David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC): As its founder and president, Horowitz established the DHFC in 1988 (originally as the Center for the Study of Popular Culture) with a mission to defend free societies, promote conservative values, and expose the perceived threats from radical ideologies. The Center is a significant voice in conservative media, conducting research, organizing conferences, and engaging in public advocacy on issues ranging from campus speech to national security.
• FrontPage Magazine: Horowitz serves as the editor of this online publication, an integral part of the DHFC. FrontPage Magazine is a far-right news and opinion website that regularly publishes articles, analyses, and commentary from a conservative perspective, frequently focusing on perceived threats from radical Islam, progressive politics, and socialist movements. It aims to offer a counter-narrative to mainstream media.
• Discover the Networks (DTN): Horowitz also directs Discover the Networks, an extensive online database that catalogues and analyzes individuals, organizations, and movements identified as being on the political left. The website aims to expose what it characterizes as the "radical agendas" and alleged "interconnections" of various progressive and liberal entities, providing detailed profiles and linking their activities to broader ideological frameworks.
• Students for Academic Freedom (SAF): Reflecting his concern about political bias in higher education, Horowitz founded Students for Academic Freedom. This organization aimed to promote intellectual diversity and an "Academic Bill of Rights" on college campuses, advocating for principles of open inquiry, intellectual balance, and protection against ideological indoctrination, particularly what it viewed as a pervasive liberal bias in academia.

Literary Contributions and Notable Collaborations

Beyond his organizational leadership, David Horowitz is a prolific author, often collaborating with fellow writer Peter Collier on significant works:

• Biographies of Prominent American Families: Horowitz and Collier co-authored a series of critically acclaimed books that delve into the histories of influential 20th-century American families. These include "The Kennedys: An American Drama," "The Rockefellers: An American Dynasty," "The Fords: An American Epic," and "The Roosevelts: An American Saga." These works often presented a more critical, unvarnished look at these dynastic families, moving beyond hagiography.
• Cultural Criticism: Their collaborative efforts also extended to books offering incisive cultural criticism. These works frequently dissected contemporary societal trends, political movements, and intellectual currents from a conservative viewpoint, often challenging prevailing progressive narratives and analyzing the impact of counter-cultural shifts on American society.

Notably, Horowitz also served as a columnist for Salon, an online progressive news and opinion website, during a period following his ideological shift. This engagement highlighted his willingness to debate his conservative viewpoints in a forum often populated by those holding opposing political perspectives.

A Transformative Ideological Journey: From New Left Radical to Neoconservative Standard-Bearer

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of David Horowitz's public life is his dramatic ideological evolution. For nearly two decades, from 1956 to 1975, he was a prominent and outspoken figure within the American New Left, a broad political movement primarily active in the 1960s and 1970s that sought significant social and political reforms, often through radical means. During this period, Horowitz was deeply involved in anti-war activism and was an editor for Ramparts magazine, a significant voice of the radical left.

However, by the mid-1970s, Horowitz experienced a profound disillusionment with progressive ideas, specifically citing the perceived failures and excesses of the New Left, including events like the murder of his friend Betty Van Patter while she was working for the Black Panther Party. This pivotal period marked his rejection of his former radicalism and a gradual but firm embrace of neoconservatism.

Neoconservatism, a political ideology primarily associated with a wing of the conservative movement in the United States, typically advocates for the promotion of democracy and American national interest in international affairs, using force if necessary, and a generally strong stance against perceived threats to Western values. Domestically, neoconservatives often support traditional values and limited government while being critical of social engineering and radical progressivism.

Horowitz meticulously chronicled this extraordinary ideological odyssey in a series of retrospective books, offering deep insights into his intellectual and personal transformation. These works culminated in his widely acclaimed 1996 memoir, Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey. This seminal book is considered a critical text for understanding the journey of many former leftists who transitioned to conservatism, providing a deeply personal and often provocative account of his intellectual pilgrimage from radicalism to his current conservative convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Horowitz

Who is David Horowitz and what is he primarily known for?

David Horowitz is an American conservative writer, activist, and commentator. He is primarily known for his dramatic ideological shift from a prominent figure in the New Left movement of the 1960s to a leading voice in contemporary American conservatism, as well as for founding influential organizations like the David Horowitz Freedom Center.

What is the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC)?

The David Horowitz Freedom Center is a conservative organization founded by Horowitz in 1988. Its mission is to defend free societies, promote conservative principles, and combat radical ideologies, often through research, advocacy, and media outlets like FrontPage Magazine.

What is FrontPage Magazine?

FrontPage Magazine is an online publication edited by David Horowitz, operating under the umbrella of the David Horowitz Freedom Center. It serves as a prominent platform for far-right news, analysis, and opinion, focusing on issues such as national security, foreign policy, and critiques of progressive and leftist movements.

What is Discover the Networks?

Discover the Networks is a website directed by David Horowitz that compiles extensive information on individuals and organizations identified as being on the political left. Its stated purpose is to expose what it perceives as the "radical agendas" and interconnections within progressive and liberal networks.

What was David Horowitz's role in the New Left?

From 1956 to 1975, David Horowitz was an outspoken and active participant in the New Left, a radical political movement of the 1960s and 70s. During this period, he was involved in anti-war efforts and served as an editor for Ramparts magazine, a key publication of the era's radical left.

What is Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey?

Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey is David Horowitz's highly acclaimed 1996 memoir. The book offers a detailed and personal account of his intellectual and political journey, chronicling his transformation from a prominent figure in the New Left to a leading conservative thinker, and exploring the reasons behind his ideological shift.