Conservatism vs Neoconservatism
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans.
- Change should be gradual and build on existing institutions.
- Family, religion, local community and the nation give people meaning and stability.
- Human nature is imperfect, so laws and customs are needed to restrain it.
Neoconservatism is an American conservative movement known for an assertive foreign policy that promotes democracy, combined with market economics and concern for moral and cultural order.
- The United States should use its power to defend and spread liberal democracy.
- Military strength and credible alliances deter aggression.
- Markets generally work better than government planning, but a modest welfare state is acceptable.
- Conservatism: petals and stars
- Neoconservatism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Trade80 points apart
Conservatism: Protected (mild). Neoconservatism: Global (moderate).
- Culture55 points apart
Conservatism: National identity (strong). Neoconservatism: National identity (mild).
- Technology50 points apart
Conservatism: Caution (moderate). Neoconservatism: Balanced.
- Morality35 points apart
Conservatism: Traditional (strong). Neoconservatism: Traditional (moderate).
★ Where they are closest
- Security · 5 apart
- Markets · 5 apart
- Ownership · 5 apart
Axis by axis
Neoconservatism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipModerate: Private25%75%PublicPrivate
- MarketsModerate: Free28%72%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Self-reliant23%77%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityMild: Strong leader35%65%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order18%82%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Central45%55%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityStrong: Traditional13%87%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Religious18%82%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Caution25%75%EmbraceCaution
- CultureStrong: National identity13%87%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Protected35%65%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Conservatism or Neoconservatism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Conservatism or Neoconservatism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Conservatism vs Neoconservatism
What is the difference between Conservatism and Neoconservatism?
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans. Neoconservatism is an American conservative movement known for an assertive foreign policy that promotes democracy, combined with market economics and concern for moral and cultural order. On the 12 axes they differ most on trade, culture, technology.
What do Conservatism and Neoconservatism have in common?
Their positions are closest on security, markets, ownership. Overall their profiles are a 82% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Conservatism or Neoconservatism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.