Authoritarian Conservatism by Joseph Cronick - 688212

What is Authoritarian Conservatism?

qckqbhhtz6 — 2023-11-16 12:50:21 UTC

Authoritarian conservative movements show strong devotion towards religion, tradition and culture while also expressing fervent nationalism akin to other far-right nationalist movements. Authoritarian conservatives state authority is absolute and unquestionable.

Thomas Hobbes' View

688212 — 2023-11-16 12:52:49 UTC

Writing at the time of the English Civil War, he was a fierce critic of change. His views on social contract were that the people needed protection in order that life was not to be “brutish and short”. In return for this they must accept restrictions on their freedoms.

Joseph de Maistre's view

688212 — 2023-11-16 12:55:06 UTC

He was a fierce critic of French Revolution but in contrast to Burke he wished to restore absolute power to the hereditary monarch. He was a reactionary and unprepared to accept any reform of the ancient regime. Political philosophy based on willing and complete subordination to ‘the master’. Even argued that a supreme spiritual power should rule in the person of the Pope.

His central concern:

preservation of order – provides people with safety and security. Revolution and reform weakens the chains that bind people and lead to a descent into chaos and oppression.

Other examples

688212 — 2023-11-30 12:46:09 UTC

Other cases of authoritarian-conservatives look to newly enfranchised masses for political support – Napoleon appealed to smallholding peasantry – promise of economic prosperity and social reform. Juan Peron of Argentina appealed to the “shirtless ones”. Peronist regime was populist in that it moulded its policies according to the instincts and wishes of the common people – most associated with fascism than conservatism.