Insights from CPAC 2025 and the Texas Policy Summit

Domestic Regime Change and Reshaping of the World Order?

In February, two of the most significant gatherings in the U.S. conservative ecosystem took place in just a few days: the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Policy Summit in Austin, hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation . These events brought together politicians, policymakers, business leaders, and intellectuals to discuss key issues shaping the political and economic landscape of the U.S. and beyond. And, of course, Fortius Consulting was present at both gatherings, as well as in a number of private meetings and institutional visits to 'take the temperature' of the reshuffling domestic and international landscape, as well as meeting top public officials, politicians and some of the major U.S. think tanks.

At CPAC 2025, prominent figures addressed the evolving priorities of the conservative agenda, with an emphasis on economic growth, deregulation, and national security. Former President Donald Trump’s keynote speech reaffirmed his commitment to policies aimed at reducing government intervention, securing the U.S. border, and strengthening national industries. One of the most striking moments of the event was the participation of Elon Musk, who made headlines for symbolically wielding a chainsaw (a present from Argentina's President Javier Milei)—underscoring his advocacy for cutting bureaucratic red tape. The event also had an international dimension, with Argentine President Javier Milei engaging with key figures and reinforcing the ideological alignment between free-market reformers in Latin America and the U.S. conservative movement.

Meanwhile, the Texas Policy Summit focused on state-level policy innovations with national implications. Governor Greg Abbott’s address underscored the importance of school choice, clarifying misconceptions about its impact on public education funding. Policy experts and legislators engaged in discussions on the sustainability of Texas’s water infrastructure, the reliability of the state’s energy grid, and broader economic competitiveness. Debates surrounding the implementation of school vouchers reflected the growing tensions between advocates of educational freedom and concerns over public school funding. These conversations will likely shape in the coming months and influence broader policy discussions nationwide.

The takeaways from these two events are clear: conservative policymakers are doubling down on deregulation, economic expansion, and educational reform, while also navigating the complexities of balancing market-driven policies with social and infrastructure considerations. Businesses and stakeholders operating in these sectors should closely monitor the implications of these policy shifts, as they will undoubtedly shape regulatory frameworks and economic opportunities in the near future.

The discussions at CPAC and the Texas Policy Summit highlight a clear trajectory for conservative policy in the coming years—one focused on economic freedom, deregulation, and institutional reform. It was also very interesting to learn about Texas' foreign policy vision as a potential distinct player in international relations. As these ideas continue to shape legislative priorities at both the state and federal levels, businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders must stay ahead of the curve. Understanding these policy shifts is not only essential for anticipating regulatory changes but also for identifying strategic opportunities in a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape. Now more than ever, engagement with these discussions will be key to navigating the future of governance and innovation in the United States.

Our presence in these type of gatherings contributes to a top knowledge of the political, business and societal scenario, which enables us to provide high-quality and up-to-date insights to our clients and allies across the world.