Pax Americana is a think tank devoted to research and analysis of major political, economic, social, cultural, and philosophical issues. The Institute is grounded in the principles of classical conservatism, which has roots in the very foundations of western civilization, from the classical period through today. The Pax Americana Institute believes in the resolute necessity of upholding the values of the American Revolution and of loyalty to the United States Constitution. The core tenets include a belief in federalism and liberty at home and in the supremacy of American power abroad.
Pax Americana’s goals are to conduct policy analysis, scholarly research, and policy recommendation in the following fields: international affairs, foreign policy, security issues, domestic politics, campaigns and elections, culture, privacy, philosophy, religion, and education. Publication is a major activity of the Institute, with the flagship piece being a monthly magazine—Pax Americana—devoted to the issues that confront the United States in the 21st century. A weekly electronic newsletter—Report from Hadrian’s Wall—features timely intelligence and analysis of current issues. Pax Americana engages in seminars, conferences, educational outreach, media programs, publications, and briefings to reach a broad audience, including the general public, educators, and the scholarly community.
Values Statement
Motto: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
- "Senatus Populusque Americanus" During the time of the Roman Republic, the Roman Standard was emblazoned with the initials SPQR. The letters stood for Senatus Populusque Romanus, which means "for the Senate and people of Rome." Our Variation means that PAI stands for teh United States and her citizens.
- Promote classical conservatism
Vision Statement
The Pax Americana Institute stands for and promotes the values of classical conservatism in contemporary society.
Who We Are
The Pax Americana Institute is a think tank located in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2005. The Institute is grounded in the values of classical conservatism. This makes Madison seem an unusual choice to call home, which is exactly the point. We discuss our reasons for locating the Institute in Madison later in this article.
The Institute addresses key Midwest, national, and international issues from the perspective of classical conservatism.
Why we are here
Wisconsin has a rich political tradition—it is a tradition of excellence. In recent times, the strong tradition of ethical government, personal freedom, and progressive politics—even the progressive name—has been co-opted by the forces of the left. The Pax Americana Institute’s mission is to reclaim these traditions and place them back in their proper perspective.
The world is far too dangerous a place, especially in light of recent events, to leave these traditions in the hands of the left. To this end, the Pax Americana Institute’s goal is to target and defeat those forces that place our rich tradition in jeopardy.
Two key questions that need to be answered are:
Why the Midwest, Why Wisconsin, and Why Madison?
- The liberal left is not the true voice of the heartland of America. A major conservative presence in the Midwest is one of the Institute’s primary goals.
- Madison is the belly of the beast to a conservative; it is assumed that the city is a lost cause. There are many disgruntled conservatives in Madison; they need a voice and a platform!
- The US has an embassy in hostile nations. The Institute serves similar purposes: to "keep an ear to the ground" on what is happening, to influence policies where we can, and, perhaps most importantly, to demonstrate a show of force.
- Madison is on the forefront of the radical liberal agenda. A "listening post" here can give warning of the issues that are coming to the rest of the nation. Liberals feel comfortable here, so they say things they won’t in other places. A presence in Madison can give information to the nation as a whole that might otherwise be missed.
Why Now?
- Wisconsin is a key battleground state. Recent elections have proven this. A voice for conservative issues can make a big difference nationally even if it makes a small change locally. Getting started now will let the Institute be ready for the next round of elections.
- Most liberals, especially Dane County liberals, consider Wisconsin “theirs” and use it as a base of operations for expansion to other areas. Making these groups divert resources back to deal with their “home base” puts them on the defensive rather than on the attack, which is a weakness.
- In all seriousness, if not now, when? We have the passion, drive, and conviction to make this happen now!