Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this ARC 2026 panel, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Rod Dreher, Johannes Hartl and James Orr discuss why so many people have lost hope, and where genuine renewal begins. From faith and technology to culture and community, they explore what it would take to rebuild civilisation.
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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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Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, founder of the AHA Foundation, and host of The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast. Born in Somalia, she served as a member of the Dutch Parliament from 2003 to 2006. Ayaan is also the founder of www.restorationbulletin.com.
Dr James Orr is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge, Head of Policy at Reform UK, Director of Programs for Trinity Forum Europe, Chair of the Edmund Burke Foundation UK, and a member of the ARC Advisory Board.
Dr Johannes Hartl is a German philosopher, theologian, speaker, and author. He is considered one of the most influential mediators between Christian spirituality, philosophy, and psychology in the German-speaking world.
Rod Dreher is a journalist and author of the New York Times bestsellers The Benedict Option (2017) and Live Not By Lies (2020). His most recent book is Living In Wonder (2024).
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00:00 Can the West recover from decline?
01:08 Ayaan Hirsi Ali: The battle for young minds
04:44 Rod Dreher: Why we've lost our sense of reality
09:24 Johannes Hartl: Why hope begins with God
13:03 Ayaan: How do we rebuild a civilization?
17:19 Rod: The surprising revival among young Christians
20:19 Johannes: Why prayer matters more than politics
21:14 The path from deconstruction to renewal
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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
In this ARC 2026 panel, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Rod Dreher, Johannes Hartl and James Orr discuss why so many people have lost hope, and where genuine renewal begins. From faith and technology to culture and community, they explore what it would take to rebuild civilisation.
__
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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Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, founder of the AHA Foundation, and host of The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast. Born in Somalia, she served as a member of the Dutch Parliament from 2003 to 2006. Ayaan is also the founder of www.restorationbulletin.com.
Dr James Orr is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge, Head of Policy at Reform UK, Director of Programs for Trinity Forum Europe, Chair of the Edmund Burke Foundation UK, and a member of the ARC Advisory Board.
Dr Johannes Hartl is a German philosopher, theologian, speaker, and author. He is considered one of the most influential mediators between Christian spirituality, philosophy, and psychology in the German-speaking world.
Rod Dreher is a journalist and author of the New York Times bestsellers The Benedict Option (2017) and Live Not By Lies (2020). His most recent book is Living In Wonder (2024).
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00:00 Can the West recover from decline?
01:08 Ayaan Hirsi Ali: The battle for young minds
04:44 Rod Dreher: Why we've lost our sense of reality
09:24 Johannes Hartl: Why hope begins with God
13:03 Ayaan: How do we rebuild a civilization?
17:19 Rod: The surprising revival among young Christians
20:19 Johannes: Why prayer matters more than politics
21:14 The path from deconstruction to renewal
__
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
![Kids need handwriting, not iPads | Sophie Winkleman [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eCpk7Jhxt0M/mqdefault.jpg "Kids need handwriting, not iPads | Sophie Winkleman [ARC 2026]
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—
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons 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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About ARC:
The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) is an international movement with a vision for a better world where empowered citizens take responsibility and work together to bring flourishing and prosperity to their families, communities, and nations.")
![Why People Are Losing Faith in Democracy | Yemi Osinbajo [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fppvj8ykJFg/mqdefault.jpg "Why People Are Losing Faith in Democracy | Yemi Osinbajo [ARC 2026]
In this keynote, former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo argues that the West is facing a deep crisis of confidence in its institutions, from democracy and free enterprise to the rule of law and the international order. He explores why trust has eroded, how Africa experiences these challenges, and why AI raises new questions about freedom, governance, and human agency. Osinbajo concludes that lasting renewal requires not just institutional reform, but moral courage, shared responsibility, and a recovery of the values that sustain free societies.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Yemi Osinbajo served as the 14th Vice President of Nigeria (2015-2023). He is also a Professor of Law and continues to engage actively in global and African development initiatives, with a focus on climate change, technology and AI for job creation, human capital development, and innovative financing for development.
00:00 – A Crisis of Confidence in the Modern Order
01:34 – Why Trust in Institutions Is Breaking Down
04:00 – Africas Challenge: Democracy, Debt & Development
07:06 – AI and the Future of Human Agency
10:01 – Rebuilding Freedom, Prosperity & Global Institutions
12:12 – Why the Rules-Based Order Still Matters
12:54 – The Moral Foundations of Free Societies
14:32 – Learning How to Flourish Togethe
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
https://www.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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
![Does the Future of the West Depend On Africa? | Mmusi Maimane [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gSZZ5W8Ku14/mqdefault.jpg "Does the Future of the West Depend On Africa? | Mmusi Maimane [ARC 2026]
South African politician and author Mmusi Maimane argued that the future of the West and Africa is inseparable. Drawing on the African concept of ubuntu (I see you), he called for a renewed partnership built on human dignity, economic prosperity, and shared Judeo-Christian values.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Dr Mmusi Maimane is the Leader of Build One South Africa and a Member of Parliament, where he chairs the Standing Committee on Appropriations. He is driving the Fair Pay Bill to protect workers and first-time job seekers from exploitation, and is leading the call to raise standards in South African education.
00:00 I See You: The Meaning of Ubuntu
01:25 Shared Humanity and Human Dignity
03:29 Why We Are All Descendants of Africa
04:45 The Opportunity of This Moment
05:56 Why Africa Looks East and the West Must Rebuild Trust
08:13 From Pro-Poor to Pro-Wealth Policies
10:30 The Cost of Extractive Capitalism
11:12 Why Africa Needs Debt Reform
12:21 A New Partnership Between Africa and the West
13:17 Reconciliation in a Fractured World
14:35 Building a More Hopeful Future
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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
![The Winners and Losers of the AI Revolution | Tyler Cowen [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hfZWfkQR9zs/mqdefault.jpg "The Winners and Losers of the AI Revolution | Tyler Cowen [ARC 2026]
Tyler Cowen joined us on Day 2 of ARC 2026 and shared his predictions for how the AI revolution will reshape the job market, and how to adapt to survive in this strange new world that is on our doorstep.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Tyler Cowen is an American economist, author, and public intellectual. He is the Holbert L. Harris Professor of Economics at George Mason University and serves as chairman of the universitys Mercatus Center.
00:00 The era of strong AI is here
01:08 Why labour mobility will matter
02:01 Everyone will need to retrain
03:18 The new jobs AI will create
05:13 Why human charisma still wins
06:00 The rise of artisanal and weird jobs
07:18 What work will look like after AI
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
https://www.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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
![WATCH: Kemi Badenoch on how to rebuild Britain [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mFz8i1Ad-7w/mqdefault.jpg "WATCH: Kemi Badenoch on how to rebuild Britain [ARC 2026]
We were privileged to be joined by Kemi Badenoch at ARC 2026, who shared her take on where we are heading in the West and what needs to change if we are to move towards growth and flourishing.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP is the Leader of the British Conservative & Unionist Party and Leader of HM Opposition. She has served as the Member of Parliament for North West Essex, previously Saffron Walden, since 2017.
00:00 Introduction: Why Young People Have Lost Hope
00:00:57 Debt, Housing and a Generation Under Pressure
00:02:19 Why Young People Need a Country Worth Fighting For
00:03:16 Culture, Family and Britains Demographic Decline
00:05:50 Immigration, Welfare and Economic Renewal
00:08:06 Restoring the Social Contract for Young People
00:11:02 Net Zero, Energy Prices and Reindustrialising Britain
00:14:08 Conservatism, Institutions and a Message to the Next Generation
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
https://www.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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
![Solzhenitsyn — The Greatest Speech in the History of the West (50 years later) | [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2QAxePQMhc/mqdefault.jpg "Solzhenitsyn — The Greatest Speech in the History of the West (50 years later) | [ARC 2026]
Solzhenitsyn — The Greatest Speech in the History of the West (50 years later) | [ARC 2026]")
![Why the World Needs 3× More Energy — And Why Its Possible | Toby Rice [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p2f3psRn7SY/mqdefault.jpg "Why the World Needs 3× More Energy — And Why Its Possible | Toby Rice [ARC 2026]
Energy entrepreneur Toby Rice argues that the worlds biggest problem isnt climate change or resource depletion, but energy scarcity. Drawing on the American shale revolution, he makes the case that affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of prosperity, security, and human flourishing. His solution: triple global energy production and embrace an agenda of energy abundance.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Toby Z. Rice is President and CEO of EQT Corporation, a leading U.S. natural gas producer. As a leading voice in energy, he champions unleashing American energy to strengthen security, support allies, and achieve ambitious climate goals.
00:00 The case for energy abundance
02:11 Why more energy means more human flourishing
03:09 The failure of net zero and engineered scarcity
05:34 The four benefits of energy abundance
07:31 Why the world needs 3× more energy
08:27 From all of the above to best of the above
09:11 How the shale revolution changed America
13:55 Demand it. Supply it. Achieve it.
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
https://www.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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
![EXCLUSIVE: Nigel Farage on Family, Energy and the Future of Britain [ARC 2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v1j6unNleVE/mqdefault.jpg "EXCLUSIVE: Nigel Farage on Family, Energy and the Future of Britain [ARC 2026]
We were joined by Nigel Farage at ARC 2026, who spoke about why rebuilding a sense of community and confidence in Western civilisation is essential for the next generation.
Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.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 Pattersons wonderful The Age of Reconstruction gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom. — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Nigel Farage is the Leader of Reform UK and MP for Clacton. Since his return to front line politics, Nigel led the new party to secure over 4 million votes in the 2024 General Election and has a growing membership of over 270,000.
00:00 Why Western Civilization Is Worth Defending
02:30 Two-Tier Britain and Social Cohesion
05:03 Family, Marriage and Community
09:02 Energy, Growth and Britains Economic Future
11:06 Productivity, Migration and Small Business
14:54 The Rise of Antisemitism in Britain
17:35 Family, Community and Country
Subscribe to the ARC Newsletter for the latest updates from the ARC movement:
https://www.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. https://www.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: https://www.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")
