Conservatism
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Neoconservatism Neoconservatism emerged in the USA in the 1970s as a backlash against the ideas and values of the 1960s. It was defined by a fear of social fragmentation or breakdown, which was seen as a product of liberal reform and the spread of ‘ permissiveness ’. In sharp contrast to neoliberalism, neoconservatives stress the primacy of politics and seek to strengthen leadership and authority in society. This emphasis on authority, allied to a heightened sensitivity to the fragility of society, demonstrates that neoconservatism has its roots in traditional or organic conservatism. However, it differs markedly from paternalistic conservatism, which also draws heavily on organic ideas. Whereas
paternalistic conservatives believe, for instance, that community is best maintained by social reformand the reduction of poverty, neoconservatives look to strengthen community by restoring authority and imposing social discipline. Neoconservative authoritarianism is, to this extent, consistent with neoliberal libertarianism. Both of them accept the rolling back of the state’s economic responsibilities.
Permissiveness: The willingness to allow people to make their own moral choices; permissiveness suggests that there are no authoritative values.
KEY CONCEPT NEOCONSERVATISM
support for the free market. Neoconservatives have typically sought to restore public order, strengthen ‘family’ or ‘religious’ values, and bolster national identity. In foreign policy, neoconservatism was closely associated with the Bush administration in the USA in the years following 9/11. Its central aim was to preserve and reinforce what was seen as the USA’s ‘benevolent global hegemony’ by building up US military power and pursuing a policy of worldwide ‘democracy promotion’.
Neoconservatism refers to developments within conservative ideology that relate to both domestic policy and foreign policy. In domestic policy, neoconservatism is defined by support for a minimal but strong state, fusing themes associated with traditional or organic conservatism with an acceptance of economic individualism and qualified
TENSIONS WITHIN . . . CONSERVATISM (1) Neoliberalism v. Neoconservatism classical liberalism traditional conservatism atomism organicism radicalism traditionalism libertarianism authoritarianism economic dynamism social order self-interest/enterprise traditional values equality of opportunity natural hierarchy minimal state strong state internationalism insular nationalism pro-globalization anti-globalization
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