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Paleoconservatism

Preserving traditional values, limited government, and national sovereignty to maintain a stable and prosperous society.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Paleoconservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes tradition, limited government, civil society, anti-colonialism, and anti-federalism. The term "paleoconservatism" is derived from the Greek word "paleo," which means "ancient" or "old," and it is used to distinguish this political philosophy from neoconservatism, a more modern form of conservative ideology.

    Paleoconservatism originated in the United States in the late 20th century among conservatives who felt that the mainstream conservative movement had strayed too far from its original principles. They believed that the conservative movement had become too accommodating to liberal ideas, particularly in the areas of social policy and foreign interventionism. Paleoconservatives sought to return to what they saw as the true conservative principles of limited government, traditional social values, and non-interventionist foreign policy.

    The roots of paleoconservatism can be traced back to the Old Right, a political movement that opposed the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s and 1940s. The Old Right was characterized by its opposition to big government, high taxes, labor unions, and foreign intervention. In the 1950s and 1960s, the conservative movement began to split, with some conservatives supporting a more interventionist foreign policy and others advocating for a return to the principles of the Old Right.

    In the 1980s and 1990s, the term "paleoconservative" began to be used to describe conservatives who opposed the neoconservative influence within the Republican Party. Paleoconservatives criticized the neoconservatives for their support of an interventionist foreign policy and their willingness to compromise on social issues. They also opposed the influence of big business and globalism on the conservative movement.

    Paleoconservatism has had a significant influence on American politics, particularly within the Republican Party. It has been associated with politicians such as Pat Buchanan, who ran for president as a Republican in 1992 and 1996 on a platform that included opposition to free trade, immigration, and foreign intervention. Despite its influence, paleoconservatism remains a minority movement within the broader conservative movement.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Paleoconservatism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Paleoconservatism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Paleoconservatism.

Far-Left

Achieving a society with equal wealth distribution, social justice, and environmental sustainability through radical systemic change.

Medicaid Work RequirementLGBT Adoption RightsConfederate FlagCapital Gains TaxDefunding the Police

Social Justice Advocate

You believe deeply rooted systems of oppression require bold, structural change — not just individual attitude shifts.

Confederate FlagLGBT Adoption RightsDefunding the PoliceMedicaid Work RequirementCapital Gains Tax

Progressive

Promoting social, economic, and environmental justice through policies that foster equality, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Ukrainian Defense FundingLGBT Adoption RightsConfederate FlagCapital Gains TaxRight of Foreigners to Vote

Radicalism

Achieving transformative social, political, and economic change through revolutionary means to create a more equitable and just society.

LGBT Adoption RightsMedicaid Work RequirementDefunding the PoliceRight of Foreigners to VoteCapital Gains Tax

Equity Advocate

You believe society must actively correct for historical and structural disadvantages so that outcomes become more equal.

Confederate FlagLGBT Adoption RightsVoter FraudMedicaid Work RequirementObamacare

Socialist

You believe major industries and resources should be owned or controlled democratically to serve the common good, not private profit.

LGBT Adoption RightsConfederate FlagRent ControlMedicaid Work RequirementCritical Race Theory in K-12 Education

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