Conservatism

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This page covers the political concept of conservatism. For a page on conservatism from a philosophical perspective, see the Philosophyball Page

"People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors."

"In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, 'I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away.' To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: 'If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.'"

Conservatism is a way of looking at social reality in an essentialist and teleological way, assuming the existence of an order and a natural law knowable by reason, revelation, or tradition. Conservatives emphasize duty, virtue, and human nature as well as seek to maintain the social order and their country's traditional values, they usually seek to preserve a range of institutions like religion with the aim of emphasizing social stability and continuity. But with time, this thinking was somewhat alienated from politics. Overall, conservatism is an economically and civically variable, culturally right ideology although a few conservatives ideologies are culturally center.

Variants

Atheist Conservatism

Atheist Conservatism is a variant of conservatism that relies on secular arguments for upholding traditional societal standards, and believes that religions aren't needed to uphold the stability of society [6] [7]. This kind of conservatism is seen with Cultural Christians.

Religious Conservatism

Religious Conservatism principally applies the teachings of particular religions to politics: sometimes by merely proclaiming the value of those teachings; at other times, by having those teachings influence laws.

History

The first established use of the term "conservatism" in a political context originated in 1818 with François-René de Chateaubriand. Conservatism has since been used to describe a wide range of views that aim to maintain certain traditional views, but no single set of policies is associated with the term.

United States

The meaning of "conservatism" in the United States is quite different in comparison with what people from other parts of the world consider conservatism; when they talk about conservatism they usually refer to Liberalism or Neoliberalism. Since the 1950s, conservatism in the United States has been chiefly associated with the Republican Party. However, during the era of segregation, many Southern Democrats were the ones considered conservatives.

American conservatism is best defined as a synthesis of conservative philosophy with classical liberal values.

As such, characteristics defining most conservatives in the United States include support for the traditional family, law and order, the right to bear arms, Christian values, anti-socialism, and defense of "Western civilization, its traditions, and way of life". About major economic policies in general that they defend are, along with Libertarians, favor, low taxes, limited regulation, and free enterprise, although most conservatives in the US are also Keynesian, which are the economic policies that mostly differentiate them from most Libertarians. Some of them also see religion as an important part of Western Civilization and are opposed to secularism, and separation of the church and the state.

They are also considered Neoconservatives and foreign interventionists, assimilationists, and at some points also imperialists, they believe in strong morals and are in favor of intervening in other places that do not align with these values. Another part of American conservatism is trying to stop the spread of Socialism.

Other modern GOP positions include deregulation and (sometimes, but not always) opposition to environmentalism. Some conservatives, such as paleoconservatives, libertarian conservatives, and paleolibertarians advocate for a non-interventionist foreign policy. Economic Liberalism and social conservatism are major principles of the Republican Party, but they are not in opposition to bail-outs and, in general, certain interventionism.

Germany

In Germany, Conservatism grew alongside Nationalism, resulting in Germany's victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War, the formation of the United German Empire in 1871, and Otto von Bismarck's simultaneous rise in the European political stage.

With the rise of Nazism in 1933, agrarian movements faded away, replaced by a more command-based economy and forced social integration. Although Adolf Hitler was able to win the support of many German industrialists, prominent traditionalists opposed his policies of euthanasia, genocide, and attacks on organized religion.

More recently, the work of the conservative Christian Democratic Union leader and Chancellor Helmut Kohl has helped bring about German reunification and closer European integration in the form of the Maastricht Treaty.

Today, German conservatism is often linked to politicians such as Angela Merkel. Who can be defined by her marked attempts to save the common European currency (Euro) from devaluation and other certainly important financial issues.

France

Another form of conservatism developed in France in parallel to conservatism in Britain. It was influenced by Counter-Enlightenment works by men such as Joseph de Maistre and Louis de Bonald. Many continentals or traditionalist conservatives do not support the separation of church and state, with most supporting state recognition of and cooperation with the Catholic Church, such as had existed in France before the Revolution.

They also added patriotism, and Nationalism to the list of traditional values they support. Conservatives were the first to embrace Nationalism and the Revolution in France, contemporary conservatism in France is deeply influenced by Gaullism and one of his main representatives is the ex-president Nikolas Sarkozy and his party.

Spain

The People's Party was created in January 1989 by a "refoundation" of the People's Alliance (AP).

This federation of conservative parties was founded in 1976 by former personalities of the Franco regime who had decided not to join the Union of the Democratic Center (UCD). Its main leader is the former Francoist minister Manuel Fraga.

The AP entered into a deep crisis after its 1987 congress, which followed the failure of the Popular Coalition in the June 1986 elections and the distribution of Fraga. The latter finally decides to take over the leadership of the party and to ensure a profound renovation. The January 1989 congress, therefore, marked the birth of the People's Party, which broadened its ideological base to the ideals of Economic liberalism and Christian democracy. It then absorbed the Liberal Party (PL) and the Christian Democracy (DC), becoming the hegemonic party of the center-right and the right in Spain.

On September 4, the PP invests by the decision of Fraga the president of the Junta of Castile, and León José María Aznar leader for the anticipated general elections of the following month, after having dismissed Isabel Tocino and Marcelino Oreja. During the ballot, Aznar failed to break the glass ceiling which had blocked the Spanish right since 1982 with 25.8% of the vote and 107 deputies out of 350. A new congress, convened in April 1990, carried Aznar to the presidency of the Party popular, while Manuel Fraga received the title of founding president.

Russia

Under Vladimir Putin, the dominant leader since 1999, Russia has promoted explicitly conservative policies in social, cultural, and political matters, both at home and abroad but has attacked multiple times economic Liberalism, which differentiates them from other conservatives. Putinist conservatism is unique in some respects as it supports economic intervention with a mixed economy, with strong nationalist sentiment and social conservatism, opposing largely most of the Libertarians' ideals. Unlike most Western conservatives, Putin's version promotes a Kleptocratic form of government over a democratic one, is Elitist and mostly opposed to populism.

United Kingdom

Conservatism in the United Kingdom is similar to its counterparts in other Western nations, but has a distinct tradition and has varied over time.

During and after World War II, the Conservative Party made concessions to Democratic Socialist's policies of the left. The basis of the post-war consensus was the Beveridge Report. Between 1945 and 1970 (consensus years) unemployment averaged less than 3% as "full employment" was the policy of both Conservative and Labour governments. The post-war consensus included a belief in Keynesian economics, a mixed economy with the nationalization of major industries, the establishment of the National Health Service, and the establishment of a modern welfare state in Britain.

However, in the 1980s, under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, and the influence of Keith Joseph, there was a dramatic shift in the ideological direction of British conservatism, with a movement towards, what are considered free-market economic policies and reforms.

In efforts to rebrand and increase the party's appeal, following three consecutive defeats in the general elections, both leaders have adopted policies that align with more moderate views. This has included a "greener" environmental and energy stance, and the adoption of some socially modernist views, such as acceptance of same-sex marriage. However, these policies have been accompanied by fiscal conservatism, in which they have maintained a hard stance on bringing down the deficit, and embarked upon a program of economic austerity.

Beliefs

Traditions

Despite variations in definition, conservatism generally values certain common themes. Michael Oakeshott describes conservatism as preferring the familiar over the unknown, the tried over the untried, and facts over mysteries. It favors the actual over the possible, limits over boundlessness, and the present over the distant future. This traditionalism reflects trust in proven methods of social organization, often giving weight to past generations' experiences. Traditions also contribute to a sense of identity.

Hierarchy

Some left-wing thinkers, like Corey Robin, define conservatism differently, seeing it as defending social and economic inequality rather than upholding traditional institutions. They view conservatism as a response to feeling threatened and trying to regain power. However, conservatism also fears the corruption that can come from established hierarchies. Some conservative communities value social hierarchies, giving importance to factors like age and wisdom. Conservatives may admire hierarchies, believing they're essential for order, as expressed by philosopher Nicolás Gómez Dávila's saying: "Hierarchies are celestial. In hell all are equal." The term "hierarchy" has religious origins, meaning "rule of a high priest."

Realism

Conservatism sees human imperfection as a fundamental belief. It's skeptical about improving human nature through idealistic plans. Thomas Hobbes, considered a key figure for conservative thought, described human nature as harsh and short-lived, suggesting a need for strong central authority.

Authority

Conservatism values authority, particularly traditional authority. This kind of authority is based on longstanding traditions and the legitimacy of those in power. There are two types: the authority of fathers and the authority of masters, like priests, monarchs, aristocrats, and military leaders. The decline of traditional authority is linked to the disappearance of old institutions like guilds and families, which used to connect individuals and the state. This decline is seen as a crisis for modern society, as traditional authorities are essential for maintaining a stable civilization.

Reactionism

Reactionism in right-wing politics opposes social changes and favors maintaining the status quo. It's often associated with conservative views that resist social, political, and economic transformations. Some conservatives seek to return to past traditions rather than embracing change. While some see "reactionary" and "conservative" as similar, others argue they're different. Reactionaries may idealize past societies and values, like German Romanticism did with medievalism. Being labeled a reactionary is typically seen negatively. However, some writers, like Julius Evola and John Lukacs, have embraced the term.

Personality

Conservatism loves tradition and old values. He usually does not like LGBTQ+ advocates , but sometimes accepts Homoconservatism. He thinks that women and men are fundamentally different.

Stylistic Notes

  • He votes for various center-right political parties (Republican Party of America, Conservative Party of England, Conservative Party of Canada, Republican Party of France, etc).
  • He does not like left wing ideologies like socialism, communism, anarcho-communism, etc.
  • He loves his country, almost as much as National Conservatism.

How to Draw

Plain Style

Flag of Conservatism
  1. Draw a ball
  2. Fill in the ball with light blue
  3. Draw a white feather
  4. Add eyes to the ball

You are done!

Color NameHEXRGB
 Light Blue#0183BErgb(1, 131, 190)
 White#FFFFFFrgb(255, 255, 255)


US Style

Flag of Conservatism (US design)
  1. Draw a ball
  2. Fill the top half of the ball with blue and the bottom half red, making the ball a bicolor
  3. Draw three white stars in the top bar (In reference to the symbols of the Democratic and the Republican Party respectively)
  4. Add the eyes
  5. Optional props:
    1. A MAGA cap
    2. Sunglasses (used for US-centric balls like the USA in Polandball)

You're done!

Color NameHEXRGB
 Blue#3F48CCrgb(63, 72, 204)
 Red#ED1C24rgb(237, 28, 36)
 White#FFFFFFrgb(255, 255, 255)


UK Style

Flag of Conservatism (UK design)
  1. Draw a ball
  2. Fill the ball with light blue
  3. Draw a white squiggly tree in the middle
  4. Add the eyes
  5. Optional props:
    1. Top hat and a monocle (used in UK-centered balls like United Kingdom in Polandball)
    2. A cup of tea (commonly consumed beverage in the UK)
    3. Brexit hat or cap
    4. A burning flag of the EU

You are finished!

Color NameHEXRGB
 Light Cyan#00B0EFrgb(0, 176, 239)
 White#FFFFFFrgb(255, 255, 255)


French Style

Flag of Conservatism (French design)
  1. Draw a ball
  2. Fill in the ball with White
  3. Color the left half of the ball Radio Blue
  4. Color in the right bar with Pinkish Red
  5. Draw the logo of the French Republican Party in the middle
  6. Add two eyes
  7. (Optional) Give the ball a beret

You're done!

Color NameHEXRGB
 Radio Blue#002394rgb(0, 35, 148)
 White#FFFFFFrgb(255, 255, 255)
 Pinkish Red#ED2B3Argb(237, 43, 58)
 Navy Blue#143C77rgb(20, 60, 119)
 Scarlet#EE2722rgb(238, 39, 34)


Relationships

Family

Confusing

  • Capitalism - We've worked together for so long... but now you cancel my stuff to protect your profits! At least you'll give me a discount.
  • Liberalism - You know, you are a strange one, broadly our relations are mixed e.g. I hate on cultural aspects of modern liberalism, but not necessarily your economics.
  • Classical Liberalism - Though he was kinda progressive at the time, he granted me good ideas about the economy and limited government, George Washington was one of the greatest men in history also John Locke and Adam Smith are gems.
  • National Liberalism - Usually you're similar to natcon but sometimes you can be degenerate .
  • Alt-Lite - Good to see that some kids these days see the value of tradition, but you really need to take some time off the internet. You mostly concentrate on political incorrectness rather than tradition. And you REALLY need to stop hanging out with him. We don't want everyone think we're literal Nazis, do we?
  • Manosphere - Based tradition defender and feminist's worst nightmare but there's no redpill I need to swallow. Plus, stop complaining about women, not all of them are like that. Also, what do you think of Thatcher? And Tate is an immoral boy.
  • Crusadism & Jihadism - You defend religious values, but you should fight more against our common enemy - atheists - than with each other.
  • Reactionaryism - I just want to conserve culture, not hop into a time machine and go 600 years back. But Falun Gong is still better than CCP.
    • And hwaet hath thou conserved?
  • Neoreactionaryism - A weird technophile geek who also likes to go too far.
  • Police Statism - BLUE LIVES MATTER! I won't follow mask mandates though.
  • Neoconservatism - My son shares some of my values but always drags me into long wars, sometimes even against fellow tradition fans. However Reagan was the best American president ever!
  • Neoliberalism - We both love Reagan and Thatcher, but for very different reasons, and most of your modern supporters are too progressive.
  • Multiculturalism - I'm glad that you respect cultures, but you provoke identity politics.
  • Conservative Feminism - Always complains about me forgetting her birthday!
  • Clerical Fascism - Uh, don't you think you're going a little far in fighting for your religion?
  • Jacksonian Democracy - Better than the rest of the Democrats and my son likes you for some reason but don't piss off my family. And your racism is bad for PR.
  • Rockefeller Republicanism - Ike did an nice job just stop being such as wiener...
  • Longism - I admire a lot of your points, especially religious values and helping the poor but your commie-fascistic tendencies remind me of someone.
  • Hayekism - Why are you "not a conservative"?
  • Korwinism - I don't know if you're a genius or just crazy.
  • Dengism - I don't like your domestic policies but you call many Western conservatives such as Kissinger, Bush I, PIS and Pinera among others "friends of the Chinese people" and you're a good improvement over Maoism. But some of my followers, such as Trump or the Australian Liberals, don't have the best relationships with you.
  • Neo-Ottomanism - Take a cool bath, seriously...
  • Gandhian Socialism - Your pro-life stance, defense of culture, and sympathy for Christianity are all wise points just you're a bit progressive in a sense and polygamy is disgusting.
  • Progressive Conservatism - Pick a side already, damn it!

Degenerates

  • LGBT+ - Homosexuality is a lifestyle choice.
  • Progressivism - Degenerate hippie and my eternal enemy. Trying to destroy both me and tradition - what's next, Pedo Rights? Quit calling me a rightoid when you keep up the orgies where I had it... like a degenerate.
    • I am not a degenerate, nor do I inherently hate all traditions, I just want you to be more open and accepting of others.
  • Marxism–Leninism - Anti-traditional communist scum and my archenemy from 1917-1991.
  • Leninism - Aren't you the same as the previous guy?
  • Maoism - Damn you and your destruction of culture! But at least you like Nixon.
  • Jacobinism - Deranged psychos that signed the execution of their own king and then killed a bunch of random innocent people.
  • Anarcho-Communism - Insane Communist Terrorist Antifa Pinko who calls me a fascist!
  • ANTIFA - The real fascists! If you actually hated fascism and not just the people who disagree with you, you would idolize people like Pilecki, Urbanowicz, Churchill, Eisenhower and De Gaulle, not some Far-Left 16-year old's living in their basement, living on energy drinks, doping and panicking after reading comments.
  • Left Wing Populism and Democratic Socialism - Bernie and Corbyn must be stopped! Never will you achieve your radical leftist goal!!!
    • / Not if we have anything to say about it. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
  • Fascism - Leftist piece of shit.
  • Alt-Right - Stop infiltrating the GOP, fascist scum and go and support Biden as your leader did. At least some of you support Trump.
    • YOU ARE TOO SOFT ON THE LEFT, TIME FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO RISE!
  • Nazism - Like this guy, you’ve brought shame to my German friends! Screw you and go back home!
  • Homofascism - Even more degenerate than Nazi.
  • Esoteric Fascism - Schizos like you belong at the hospital.
  • Stransserism - Trans commie Nazis are oppressing the REAL men/women!
  • Futurism - Boy what the fuck is wrong with you?
  • White Nationalism - Aren't you just one of the Democrats? And I won't forgive David Duke for trying to infiltrate the GOP. You make us all look bad!
  • Democratism - You used to be okay, at least in social aspects, but you have now moved to the woke radical left. The “Squad” is just a bunch of neo-Marxist scums who want to destroy the United States. But at least you still have people like Manchin, who is okayish. I wonder how long it would take for you to become a full socialist party.
  • Liberal Feminism - Don't kick the Goddamn baby! Haha, Roe v. Wade go bye-bye!
  • Third Way - Literally OBAMA!
  • Liberal Socialism - Ah yes, the RADICAL LEFT.
    • Radicalism is not inherently bad, you know.
  • Pink Capitalism - The companies have betrayed us and promote degeneracy to enrich themselves.
  • State Liberalism - What the hell is this abomination?
    • THE FUTURE.
  • Neo-Marxism - The post-modern Neo-Marxists post leftist trying to destroy all our Judeo-Christian values with their post-Marxist neo-modern hardcore crab sex! Lasch is based though
  • Satanic Theocracy - SATAN! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU! This is the "great" future that wokes want for the world.
  • Secular Satanism - Quit larping as a Satanist and clean your damn room.
  • State Atheism - Go get fresh air and clean up!
  • Anarcho-Egoism - Do you have any sense of morality, for God's sake?!
    • Why is God's cause supposed to be MY cause?
    • You're proving my point.
  • Illegalism - You advocate for immoral acts like drugs, murder, abortion, rape, theft, and other grave actions! Get the death penalty!
  • Avaritionism - Aren't you that thing above again?! Well, the death penalty for you too, psycho!
  • Soulism - Quit your disgusting drug addiction, go outside and socialize, get a wife, start a family, get a job and finally be a FUNCTIONAL MEMBER of society, you lazy junkyard!!!
    • No.


Further Information

Literature

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Brazil

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United States

UK

Notes

  1. ↑ Depends mainly on the cultural context; importance of free-market economics and capitalism within it.
  2. ↑ Context dependent: in countries with long-established constitutions, the rule of law tends to be of greater importance than those with short-lived ones.
  3. ↑ Sleaze and cronyism is currently a huge problem within the Conservative party, with the Boris Johnson government suffering significantly from allegations of alleged corruption.
  4. ↑ Some Canadian Conservatives tend to be more moderate on certain questions, including social views, while advocating economic liberalism.

References

  1. ↑ Conservatism is more moderate compared to traditionalism
  2. ↑ The Standpatters dominated the Republican Party during Roosevelt's first term as President
  3. ↑ "Centrão", Wikipedia.org.
  4. ↑ "United Kingdom", Parties and Elections.eu.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Policy Declaration: February 2014", Conservative.ca. Archived 27 June 2019.
  6. ↑ It is Possible a Right-Wing Atheist? A Message to the Religious and Christian Right
  7. ↑ The Common Ground Between Conservatism and Atheism

Gallery

Portraits

Alternative designs

  • French Republicanism, by  Cheebow8
    French Republicanism, by  Cheebow8 
  • UK Toryism
    UK Toryism
  • US Conservatism
    US Conservatism
  • Toryism (Alt)
    Toryism (Alt)
  • US Conservatism (Old)
    US Conservatism (Old)
  • US (Poor)
    US (Poor)
  • US (Older)
    US (Older)

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