Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
As ARC 2026 came to a close, Philippa Stroud reflected on three days of conversation and challenge, calling for a new age of reconstruction. From renewing our moral and spiritual foundations to rebuilding our homes, institutions and communities, this closing address is a call to reject cynicism, embrace responsibility, and go home determined to build.
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Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: amazon.co.uk/dp/1916948510
With the return of the ARC Conference this June, we are publishing a brand new book — the most comprehensive synthesis of ARC’s philosophy to date. Drawing on Augustine, Tolkien, and a long tradition of civilisational thinking, The Age of Reconstruction charts a path from diagnosis to renewal. While many can point out where things have gone wrong, this book does what most can’t: it lays out a vision of what we must build, how, and why it is still possible.
Praise for The Age of Reconstruction:
"Will Western Civilisation flourish, or flounder? It depends on us, and the decisions we make right now. And Johnny Patterson's wonderful 'The Age of Reconstruction' gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom." — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
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Baroness Philippa Stroud is co-founder and CEO of ARC and Member of the House of Lords. Previously, she was the CEO of the Legatum Institute and the Centre for Social Justice, and served as Special Adviser to both the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Prime Minister David Cameron.
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00:00 The Age of Reconstruction
00:50 Understanding the Crisis of Deconstruction
02:11 From Cynicism to Confidence
03:03 A Civilizational Moment
05:06 Renewing Our Moral Foundations
05:59 A Better Story for the West
06:20 A Call to Go Home and Build
06:58 "Ladies and Gentlemen of the West: Stand"
08:00 Closing Remarks
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Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
arc-conference.com/subscribe
Go deeper with ARC Research. Read reports, articles, and academic papers underneath our talks - all pointed towards advancing education, promoting research, and developing ideas about the keys to human flourishing and prosperity. arc-conference.com/research-papers
If you would like to support ARC’s mission financially, firstly - thank you so much for trusting us with your resources. And secondly, find out how here: arc-conference.com/donate
If you have any questions for us, or would like to partner with us, contact us here: info@arc-conference.com
As ARC 2026 came to a close, Philippa Stroud reflected on three days of conversation and challenge, calling for a new age of reconstruction. From renewing our moral and spiritual foundations to rebuilding our homes, institutions and communities, this closing address is a call to reject cynicism, embrace responsibility, and go home determined to build.
__
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: amazon.co.uk/dp/1916948510
With the return of the ARC Conference this June, we are publishing a brand new book — the most comprehensive synthesis of ARC’s philosophy to date. Drawing on Augustine, Tolkien, and a long tradition of civilisational thinking, The Age of Reconstruction charts a path from diagnosis to renewal. While many can point out where things have gone wrong, this book does what most can’t: it lays out a vision of what we must build, how, and why it is still possible.
Praise for The Age of Reconstruction:
"Will Western Civilisation flourish, or flounder? It depends on us, and the decisions we make right now. And Johnny Patterson's wonderful 'The Age of Reconstruction' gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom." — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
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Baroness Philippa Stroud is co-founder and CEO of ARC and Member of the House of Lords. Previously, she was the CEO of the Legatum Institute and the Centre for Social Justice, and served as Special Adviser to both the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Prime Minister David Cameron.
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00:00 The Age of Reconstruction
00:50 Understanding the Crisis of Deconstruction
02:11 From Cynicism to Confidence
03:03 A Civilizational Moment
05:06 Renewing Our Moral Foundations
05:59 A Better Story for the West
06:20 A Call to Go Home and Build
06:58 "Ladies and Gentlemen of the West: Stand"
08:00 Closing Remarks
__
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
arc-conference.com/subscribe
Go deeper with ARC Research. Read reports, articles, and academic papers underneath our talks - all pointed towards advancing education, promoting research, and developing ideas about the keys to human flourishing and prosperity. arc-conference.com/research-papers
If you would like to support ARC’s mission financially, firstly - thank you so much for trusting us with your resources. And secondly, find out how here: arc-conference.com/donate
If you have any questions for us, or would like to partner with us, contact us here: info@arc-conference.com
