Conservatism: an overview of the main trends and their foundations against the backdrop of the turning point of eras (Neoconservatism, Paleoconservatism, National Conservatism)

Abstract

The main principles of conservative ideology as an ideological and political doctrine and socio-political worldview are highlighted. The main trends (currents) of Conservative ideology are analysed, which in essence already represent entirely independent concepts that develop alongside geopolitical changes and socio-political correlations of civilisational progress.

Issues of freedom, equality, power, the state, and democracy occupy a prominent place in the thinking of modern Conservatives. Most Conservatives consider themselves defenders of human rights and the fundamental principles of democracy. Without denying pluralistic democracy, they advocate a critical approach to it, recognising the interconnection between capitalism and democracy. A significant portion of Conservatives prioritise society, which, in their opinion, is much broader than the government and historically, ethically, and logically superior to the individual. In the second half of the 20th century and early 21st century, Traditional Conservatism came into conflict with trends in social development, which led to its transformation into several new movements (directions). The most fundamental of these were Neoconservatism, Traditionalist Conservatism, Liberal Conservatism, Paleoconservatism and National Conservatism, as well as the emergence of the category of the ‘New Right’.

The main origins, principles, and political-ideological concepts of contemporary conceptual constructs and trends that branched off from Classical Conservatism in the United States and Europe are discussed and highlighted. Their origins and justified differences are indicated, which were caused both by social demands or ideological evolution, as well as geopolitical or internal political transformations in the context of the development of transatlantic socio-political thought of the so-called West in general, as well as between America and Europe in particular.

The similarities and differences between the main configurations of contemporary political Conservatism are analysed: Classical Conservatism, Traditionalist Conservatism, Paleoconservatism, New Right Conservatism, Neoconservatism, and National Conservatism. At the same time, certain differences between American and European Conservative worldviews, etc., are reflected, as well as how they are reflected in the political-ideological sphere and in the socio-worldview model of state development and the system of international relations.