Classical Liberalism vs Neoliberalism
Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, the rule of law, free markets and a limited government that protects life, liberty and property.
- Every person has rights to life, liberty and property that government must respect.
- Political power should be limited by a written or customary constitution and the rule of law.
- Free markets, private property and voluntary contracts are the main engines of prosperity.
Neoliberalism is a policy approach that favors open markets, free trade, privatization, deregulation and limits on government spending within a global economy.
- Markets usually allocate resources more efficiently than governments.
- State owned companies should often be privatized.
- Regulations that limit competition should be reduced.
- Classical Liberalism: petals and stars
- Neoliberalism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Security75 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Liberty (moderate). Neoliberalism: Order (mild).
- Authority70 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Democratic (moderate). Neoliberalism: Strong leader (mild).
- Foreign policy65 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Strength (mild). Neoliberalism: Cooperation (moderate).
- Structure60 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Local (moderate). Neoliberalism: Balanced.
★ Where they are closest
- Religion · 0 apart
- Markets · 0 apart
- Ownership · 0 apart
Axis by axis
Neoliberalism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Private15%85%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Free15%85%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Self-reliant28%72%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Democratic80%20%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityModerate: Liberty78%22%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Local80%20%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityBalanced50%50%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionMild: Secular65%35%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace60%40%EmbraceCaution
- CultureBalanced48%52%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Global85%15%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyMild: Strength35%65%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Classical Liberalism or Neoliberalism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Classical Liberalism or Neoliberalism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Classical Liberalism vs Neoliberalism
What is the difference between Classical Liberalism and Neoliberalism?
Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, the rule of law, free markets and a limited government that protects life, liberty and property. Neoliberalism is a policy approach that favors open markets, free trade, privatization, deregulation and limits on government spending within a global economy. On the 12 axes they differ most on security, authority, foreign policy.
What do Classical Liberalism and Neoliberalism have in common?
Their positions are closest on religion, markets, ownership. Overall their profiles are a 80% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Classical Liberalism or Neoliberalism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.