Conservatism

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The sharp polarization of left and right is often highlighted as a significant political challenge today, yet the internal divisions on the right receive less scrutiny. Conservatism addresses this gap by examining the conflict between a liberal right and an illiberal right across Europe and the US. Understanding the roots of this struggle is crucial, as it sheds light on the right's current standing and future trajectory. Since its 19th-century origins, conservatism has grappled with how much to compromise with liberalism, democracy, and capitalism. By the late 19th century, the mainstream right had reconciled with these elements, leading to its success in the following century. However, a resistant faction remained, unyielding in its opposition to liberal democracy. This resistance is now evident in the hard right, a complex alliance of hyper-liberal globalists and anti-liberal localists. The work focuses on key regions such as France, Britain, Germany, and the US, detailing the parties, politicians, and thinkers of the right while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of conservative thought. An appendix offers definitions of key terms, a brief overview of conservatism's philosophical roots, and mini-biographies of over 200 conservatives, providing a comprehensive survey of this dominant political tradition in the Western world.