Conservatism vs Paleoconservatism
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.
Paleoconservatism is an American conservative current that stresses tradition, local community, national sovereignty and limits on immigration, and opposes foreign intervention and free-trade globalization.
- A nation is rooted in a shared culture, religion and history, not only in abstract ideas.
- Power should be decentralized to states, towns and families.
- The country should avoid foreign wars and nation-building abroad.
- Conservatism: petals and stars
- Paleoconservatism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Structure50 points apart
Conservatism: Central (mild). Paleoconservatism: Local (moderate).
- Trade50 points apart
Conservatism: Protected (mild). Paleoconservatism: Protected (strong).
- Technology30 points apart
Conservatism: Caution (moderate). Paleoconservatism: Caution (strong).
- Markets25 points apart
Conservatism: Free (moderate). Paleoconservatism: Free (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Foreign policy · 0 apart
- Authority · 10 apart
- Ownership · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Paleoconservatism
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 Paleoconservatism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Conservatism or Paleoconservatism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Conservatism vs Paleoconservatism
What is the difference between Conservatism and Paleoconservatism?
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans. Paleoconservatism is an American conservative current that stresses tradition, local community, national sovereignty and limits on immigration, and opposes foreign intervention and free-trade globalization. On the 12 axes they differ most on structure, trade, technology.
What do Conservatism and Paleoconservatism have in common?
Their positions are closest on foreign policy, authority, ownership. Overall their profiles are a 86% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Conservatism or Paleoconservatism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.