National Conservatism and Neoliberalism represent distinct ideological approaches with differing views on the role of the nation-state, economic policy, social values, and international relations. National Conservatism prioritizes national interests and cultural preservation, while Neoliberalism emphasizes individual liberty and free-market principles. Their contrasting stances on globalism, immigration, and the role of religion further highlight their fundamental differences.
| Attribute | National Conservatism | Neoliberalism |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the Nation-State | Emphasizes upholding national sovereignty. Views the nation-state as essential for a more perfect union, common defense, justice, and securing the general welfare. Favors a strong but limited state, subject to constitutional restraints. | Favors a minimal state focused on law and order, property rights, and contracts; transforms into a competitive state facilitating privatization and deregulation. |
| Economic Policy (Free Market vs. Intervention) | Supports free enterprise but believes economic policy should serve the general welfare of the nation. Takes a pragmatic approach to regulatory economics and protectionism. | Champions free-market economies with minimal government intervention, supporting deregulation, privatization, free trade, and reduced government spending. |
| Social Policy (Traditional Values vs. Social Liberalism) | Emphasizes cultural conservatism, traditional family values, and the public role of religion. Supports traditional family values and gender roles. Is critical of the separation of church and state. | Emphasizes individual responsibility and freedom of choice, focusing on individual freedom and the freedom of small social groups, particularly the family. |
| Attitude towards Globalism and International Organizations | Expresses opposition to globalism and internationalism. Often has a negative view of the United Nations and the European Union, viewing their agendas as eroding national identity. | Promotes international cooperation and sees international institutions as key to advancing global governance. |
| Views on Immigration and National Identity | Emphasizes the preservation of national and cultural identity. Many favor assimilation into the dominant culture and restrictions on immigration. | Not available |
| Role of Religion in Public Life | Concentrates on the public role of religion. Supports the public role of religion, being critical of the separation of church and state. Where a Christian majority exists, public life should be rooted in Christianity and its moral vision, which should be honored by the state and other institutions both public and private. | Not available |
| Approach to Social Welfare and Safety Nets | Can support increased state social spending for "pro-worker" and "pro-family" conservatism. | Favors limiting the welfare state and government spending, emphasizing individual responsibility and potentially privatizing services. |
| Views on Cultural Preservation | Adheres to cultural nationalism, emphasizing the preservation of national and cultural identity. | Not available |
| Stance on Individual Liberty vs. Collective Good | Departs from enlightenment liberalism and opposes individualism and the universality of human rights. | Emphasizes individual liberty and economic freedom. |
| Relationship with Populism | In America and Europe, it is majoritarian populist. | Complex; some argue populism is a reaction against neoliberalism, while others suggest a 'neoliberal populism' exists. |
| Views on Regulation of Business | Takes a pragmatic approach to regulatory economics and protectionism. | Supports deregulation and minimizing government control of industry. |
| Historical and Intellectual Roots | Shares aspects of traditionalist conservatism and social conservatism. The works of Leo Strauss and Eric Voegelin have served as building blocks for the modern national conservative movement's socio-economic policies. | Emerged as a response to classical liberalism and Keynesian economics; key figures include Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. |