Differences and conflict within Conservatism

Traditional Conservatism

One Nation Conservatism

The New Right

• Neo Liberalism

• Neo conservatism

Tensions within conservatism

■ Human nature: Traditional conservative thinkers like Burke and Oakeshott are skeptical about human nature, highlighting the gap between ambition and accomplishment and cautioning against the ambitious, idealistic plans of progressive politicians. They view the tragedies of movements like the French and Russian Revolutions as stemming from a misunderstanding and overestimation of human potential. In contrast, New Right intellectuals have a more positive outlook, focusing on the potential of individuals with freedom and initiative. Notably, thinkers such as Nozick and Rand have a particularly optimistic view of individual economic achievements, advocating for a pro-capitalist environment that unleashes individual capabilities. Burke and Oakeshott have played a key role in shaping conservative views on human nature, which suggest that humans have moral, intellectual, and psychological imperfections. Hobbes, on the other hand, believed that people are primarily motivated by self-interest and are rational enough to recognize the need for a strong ruler to maintain order. Burke and Oakeshott's perspectives on human nature's rational and psychological weaknesses contribute to the traditional conservative belief in humans as inherently social beings and society as an organic entity. Burke's focus on intellectual shortcomings has influenced the conservative approach to governance, prioritizing empiricism and pragmatism over abstract principles. Early one-nation conservatives shared similarities with traditional conservatives regarding their views on human nature and preference for practicality and natural societal structures. In contrast, modern one-nation conservatives are more receptive to rationalistic concepts. Conservative prime ministers from Macmillan to Johnson have implemented policies influenced by rationalistic theories, such as Keynesian economics. Neo-conservatives espouse a Hobbesian perspective on moral imperfection and advocate strict law enforcement for societal stability, believing that the state is essential for maintaining organic societal structures. Despite their inclination towards rationalism and state intervention, neo-conservative governments in the UK and the USA have initiated welfare and education reforms based on rational principles. Neo-liberals hold a more positive outlook on human nature compared to other conservative factions, viewing individuals as autonomous beings driven by rational self-interest. They believe that personal happiness within a self-reliant society is paramount, emphasizing scientific evidence and logic over the empirical and practical approaches favored by traditional conservatism.

■ Society: traditional conservatives see society as a collection of small communities (what Burke termed ‘little platoons’), overseen by a hierarchical structure in which ‘paternalistic’ elites exercise their inherited power in the interests of the majority. Such communities are considered organic, in the sense that they emerge in a natural and unplanned way, and place great store upon tradition and continuity. By contrast, New Right conservatives are ambivalent about society’s very existence, drawing upon the libertarian belief that society is a mere collection of atomised individuals seeking self-determination. New Right conservatives are more sceptical about paternalistic communities, preferring a society defined by those who have achieved, rather than inherited, power, status and property — in other words, a society that is meritocratic rather than aristocratic.Traditional conservatives believe in a natural hierarchy, advocating for the state to be governed by a natural ruling class. For Hobbes, this meant a monarch, while for Burke, it meant an aristocratic government. They view the primary role of the state as preserving organic society. Burke influenced traditional conservatives to accept that society is not static, and that to maintain it, the ruling class must be open to enacting changes when necessary. Traditional conservatives prefer minimal state involvement in both society and the economy. They argue that society needs protection from external and internal threats, supporting hawkish foreign policy and military intervention. Additionally, they promote insular nationalism and state autonomy in foreign affairs. One-nation conservatives, influenced by Burke, believe in noblesse oblige and state intervention to preserve society, sharing the belief that the primary purpose of the state is to maintain societal order. Early one-nation conservative reforms were empirically influenced and involved limited state intervention. However, later one-nation conservatives have supported more radical, rational state intervention, significantly increasing the state's role compared to traditional conservatism. They advocate substantial state intervention during crises to safeguard society and the economy, as seen in the Conservative government's implementation of furloughing during the Covid-19 crisis. Neo-conservatives, influenced by Hobbes and Burke, also see the state's primary function as preserving society. They support a less generous welfare state than one-nation conservatives but acknowledge the need for welfare provisions to uphold societal order. In contrast to one-nation conservatism and modern liberalism, they argue that anti-poverty programs have failed due to disregarding human imperfection and the natural tendencies of humans. During crises, neo-conservatives advocate significant state intervention to protect society and the economy, as evidenced by neo-conservative Republican backing of the CARES Act 2020 during the Covid-19 crisis. Neo-liberals advocate for a limited government, minimizing state interference in individual lives. They oppose state involvement in society and the economy, believing the state should focus on protecting human rights through minimal intervention, mainly in functions like force, theft prevention, and contract enforcement. Neo-liberals reject state-sponsored welfare and view state taxation for such programs as 'legalized theft.' Unlike other conservative branches, they do not support a natural hierarchy but instead endorse a meritocracy where the most capable individuals lead.

■  The State: Traditional conservatives believe in a natural hierarchy, advocating for the state to be governed by a natural ruling class. For Hobbes, this meant a monarch, while for Burke, it meant an aristocratic government. They view the primary role of the state as preserving organic society. Burke influenced traditional conservatives to accept that society is not static, and that to maintain it, the ruling class must be open to enacting changes when necessary. Traditional conservatives prefer minimal state involvement in both society and the economy. They argue that society needs protection from external and internal threats, supporting hawkish foreign policy and military intervention. Additionally, they promote insular nationalism and state autonomy in foreign affairs. One-nation conservatives, influenced by Burke, believe in noblesse oblige and state intervention to preserve society, sharing the belief that the primary purpose of the state is to maintain societal order. The state: traditional conservatives like Burke defend a state where political power is wielded by those who are ‘born to rule’. As such, traditional conservatives believe the best states have a natural ‘ruling class’, reared according to the principles of duty and sacrifice, and instilled with a sense of responsibility towards the governed. Traditional conservatives are pragmatic about the extent of the state and are prepared to enlarge it in the name of social stability and ‘one nation’.

By contrast, New Right conservatives wish to ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ (outside areas such as security and defence) so as to advance individual freedom and reverse the dependency culture. New Right conservatives are hostile to the principle of aristocratic rule — they fear that ruling classes have too much stake in the status quo and are therefore reluctant to admit the need for radical change by New Right governments.

Early one-nation conservative reforms were empirically influenced and involved limited state intervention. However, later one-nation conservatives have supported more radical, rational state intervention, significantly increasing the state's role compared to traditional conservatism. They advocate substantial state intervention during crises to safeguard society and the economy, as seen in the Conservative government's implementation of furloughing during the Covid-19 crisis. Neo-conservatives, influenced by Hobbes and Burke, also see the state's primary function as preserving society. They support a less generous welfare state than one-nation conservatives but acknowledge the need for welfare provisions to uphold societal order. In contrast to one-nation conservatism and modern liberalism, they argue that anti-poverty programs have failed due to disregarding human imperfection and the natural tendencies of humans. During crises, neo-conservatives advocate significant state intervention to protect society and the economy, as evidenced by neo-conservative Republican backing of the CARES Act 2020 during the Covid-19 crisis. Neo-liberals advocate for a limited government, minimizing state interference in individual lives. They oppose state involvement in society and the economy, believing the state should focus on protecting human rights through minimal intervention, mainly in functions like force, theft prevention, and contract enforcement. Neo-liberals reject state-sponsored welfare and view state taxation for such programs as 'legalized theft.' Unlike other conservative branches, they do not support a natural hierarchy but instead endorse a meritocracy where the most capable individuals lead.

■  The Economy:Traditional conservatives support an economy based on private ownership but are wary of free-market capitalism due to concerns about exacerbating inequality, threatening national unity, and increasing support for socialism. With the globalization of capitalism, they also worry that market forces lead to a more cosmopolitan society that undermines national identity and culture. Consequently, traditional conservatives are open to state intervention through Keynesian economics, higher taxation, and increased public spending on social welfare. In contrast, New Right conservatives, such as Nozick, strongly advocate for free-market economies with privatized and deregulated state functions, lower taxation, and reduced state spending.

Traditional conservatives have mixed feelings about capitalism and the government's role in the economy. Some prefer protectionism to safeguard the interests of the elite and the nation. Edmund Burke influenced this branch of conservatism by supporting the free market and Adam Smith's ideas. Early one-nation conservatives, led by Disraeli, backed the free market but recognized the risks of unregulated capitalism causing societal tensions. They advocated for moderate state involvement in the economy. Since the 1960s, one-nation conservatism has had varying views on state intervention. While some Conservative governments embraced a mixed economy and Keynesian economics, recent governments have leaned towards privatization and free-market principles, with Keynesian influences since 2010. During emergencies like the Covid-19 crisis, one-nation governments are willing to intervene massively in the economy, as seen with the UK's furloughing response. Neo-conservatives support the free market as the best means for wealth creation, employment, and cost reduction. They blend traditional conservative values with pragmatism, as shown by George W. Bush's Keynesian-style intervention during the 2008 economic crisis. Another instance of neo-conservative pragmatism is the CARES Act 2020 by President Trump, a substantial economic stimulus package in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Neo-liberals view the state as a referee ensuring economic rules are followed. They advocate for a hands-off approach, opposing interventionist state management like Keynesian economics.