The Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism

The term "conservative nationalism" is often used to describe a political ideology that combines elements of conservatism and nationalism. Conservative nationalists typically believe in the importance of tradition, order, and national identity. They are often skeptical of immigration, multiculturalism, and other forces that they see as threatening to their way of life.

Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism

by Colin Dueck

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Conservative nationalism has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. One of the most influential early conservative nationalists was Edmund Burke, a British philosopher and statesman. Burke argued that society is a complex and organic whole, and that it should be preserved and defended against radical change. He also believed that the nation is a natural and necessary unit of political organization.

In the 20th century, conservative nationalism was a major force in Europe. It was particularly strong in countries that had been defeated in World War I, such as Germany and Italy. Conservative nationalists in these countries often blamed their nation's problems on the Treaty of Versailles, which they saw as a harsh and unjust peace settlement. They also argued that their countries needed to be strong and united in order to resist the threat from communism.

Conservative nationalism has also been a significant force in the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, conservative nationalists opposed the civil rights movement and other social changes. They also supported the Vietnam War, which they saw as a necessary struggle against communism.

In recent years, conservative nationalism has experienced a resurgence in popularity. This is due in part to the rise of populism and the decline of traditional political parties. Conservative nationalists have also been able to capitalize on fears about immigration and terrorism.

There are many different strands of conservative nationalism. Some conservative nationalists are more authoritarian, while others are more libertarian. Some are more isolationist, while others are more internationalist. However, all conservative nationalists share a common belief in the importance of tradition, order, and national identity.

Conservative nationalism is a complex and multifaceted ideology. It is important to understand its history and its different strands in order to accurately assess its potential impact on the future.

Key Conservative Nationalist Thinkers

Some of the most influential conservative nationalist thinkers include:

• Edmund Burke (1729-1797): A British philosopher and statesman who is considered one of the founders of conservative thought. Burke argued that society is a complex and organic whole, and that it should be preserved and defended against radical change. He also believed that the nation is a natural and necessary unit of political organization.
• Michael Oakeshott (1901-1990): A British philosopher who wrote extensively about conservatism. Oakeshott argued that the purpose of government is to preserve order and protect individual liberty. He also believed that the state should be limited in its scope and that it should not interfere in the private lives of citizens.
• Roger Scruton (1944-2020): A British philosopher who was one of the most influential conservative thinkers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Scruton argued that conservatism is based on a belief in the importance of tradition, order, and beauty. He also believed that the state has a duty to promote these values.
• Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013): A British politician who served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. Thatcher was a conservative nationalist who believed in the importance of free markets, individual liberty, and national sovereignty.
• Friedrich Hayek (1899-1992): An Austrian economist who was one of the leading proponents of free market economics. Hayek argued that the free market is the best way to promote economic growth and individual liberty. He also believed that the state should be limited in its scope and that it should not interfere in the economy.

Conservative nationalism is a complex and multifaceted ideology. It is important to understand its history and its different strands in order to accurately assess its potential impact on the future.

Some conservative nationalists are more authoritarian, while others are more libertarian. Some are more isolationist, while others are more internationalist. However, all conservative nationalists share a common belief in the importance of tradition, order, and national identity.

Conservative nationalism is a powerful force in politics, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in shaping the future of the world.

Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism

by Colin Dueck

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	924 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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