PoliticalTests

Neoconservatism vs Paleoconservatism

70% alikeCompared on 12 axes
NeoconservatismConservative

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.
About Neoconservatism
PaleoconservatismConservative

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.
About Paleoconservatism
ECONOMYSTATE AND LIBERTYSOCIETYWORLDOwnershipMarketsWelfareAuthoritySecurityStructureMoralityReligionTechnologyCultureTradeForeign
  • Neoconservatism: petals and stars
  • Paleoconservatism: dashed outline

★ Where they differ most

  • Trade130 points apart

    Neoconservatism: Global (moderate). Paleoconservatism: Protected (strong).

  • Technology80 points apart

    Neoconservatism: Balanced. Paleoconservatism: Caution (strong).

  • Culture75 points apart

    Neoconservatism: National identity (mild). Paleoconservatism: National identity (strong).

  • Structure70 points apart

    Neoconservatism: Central (mild). Paleoconservatism: Local (moderate).

★ Where they are closest

  • Welfare · 0 apart
  • Ownership · 15 apart
  • Security · 20 apart

Axis by axis

Paleoconservatism

Economy

Equality / Markets
  • OwnershipModerate: Private
    PublicPrivate
  • MarketsModerate: Free
    PlannedFree
  • WelfareMild: Self-reliant
    SharedSelf-reliant

State and liberty

Liberty / Authority
  • AuthorityMild: Strong leader
    DemocraticStrong leader
  • SecurityModerate: Order
    LibertyOrder
  • StructureMild: Central
    LocalCentral

Society

Progress / Tradition
  • MoralityModerate: Traditional
    ProgressiveTraditional
  • ReligionMild: Religious
    SecularReligious
  • TechnologyBalanced
    EmbraceCaution
  • CultureMild: National identity
    MulticulturalNational identity

World

Global / Nation
  • TradeModerate: Global
    GlobalProtected
  • Foreign policyStrong: Strength
    CooperationStrength

★ 12 Axes Political Test ★

How close are you to Neoconservatism or Paleoconservatism?

Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Neoconservatism or Paleoconservatism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.

FAQ

Neoconservatism vs Paleoconservatism

What is the difference between Neoconservatism and Paleoconservatism?

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. 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 trade, technology, culture.

What do Neoconservatism and Paleoconservatism have in common?

Their positions are closest on welfare, ownership, security. Overall their profiles are a 70% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.

Am I closer to Neoconservatism 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.