CHAPTER 4
Conservatism, Pt. 2
Anti-Communism Since 1917
Opposition to the rise of the Soviet Union and the
Communist Ideal – Unites Conservatives of All
Types
Conservatives dislike communists’ belief in
progress, perfectibility, and planning.
Conservatives fear that communism is a
radical idea that will sweep away useful
customs and traditions.
Opposition to communism energized
conservatives – until 1989 and the fall of the
Soviet bloc.
Individualist Conservatism
New 20th Century approach to conservatism
Wants to conserve neo-classical liberalism
Key Neo-Classical Liberal theorists (both Economists)
• Hayek’s Road to Serfdom (1944)
•
Joseph Schumpeter’s Capitalism, Socialism, & Democracy
(1942)
Individualist Conservatism is then turned into a
conservative “movement”
Emerges as a Movement in U.S. After 1964
The Rise of Individualist Conservatism in U.S./UK in
the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Individualist conservatives started to reinvent the
U.S. Republican Party with Barry Goldwater’s run
for President in 1964.
The first conservative British politician to defend
neo-classical liberalism was Keith Joseph in the
1970s. He was the main advisor to PM Margaret
Thatcher.
Individualist Conservatism – New governments in
U.S. & UK in 1979 & 1980
Prime Minister Thatcher (1979-1997)
President Reagan & George Bush I (1980-1992)
The Rise of Individualist Conservatism in US/UK
UK Conservatism Today
Traditional Conservatives
Individualist Conservatives
US Conservatism Today (1980-2012)
Referred to in text as “Reagan-Rove Coalition”
1. Individualist Conservatives
2. Reagan Democrats (Nixon Democrats)
3. Neo-Conservatives
4. Religious Right
Individualist Conservatism Replaces
Rockefeller Republicans
Traditional Conservatives in U.S.
Known as “Rockefeller Republicans”
• Named after NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller (1959-1973)
• Rockefeller Republicans were more “centrist” than Republicans today
From 1964 - 1980, the new Individualist Conservative
Movement battles and replaces the Rockefeller
Republicans for control of the Republican Party
Mission Accomplished in 1980 Reagan victory
Individualist Conservatives completely replace Rockefeller
Republicans in US Republican Party
End of Rockefeller Republicanism
& Traditional Conservatism-US (con’t)
Did not survive 1980 Reagan Revolution in 1980. Exceptions:
Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee
Became a Democrat & competed in late 2015 for Democratic
Nomination for 2016 Presidency. Withdrew prior to 2016 Primaries.
Former journalist & former blogger Andrew Sullivan
•Pragmatic conservatism we saw with Oakeshott
•Supported progressive causes such as same sex marriage &
legalization of cannabis
•Retired. Blog (2000— 2015) archived @ dish.andrewsullivan.com
Reagan-Rove Coalition 1968 - 2012
Individualist Conservatism (Neo-Classical Liberalism)
Economic Conservatives
Friedrich Hayek, Economist Milton Friedman were key influences
Individualist, free market conservatism was at the heart of conservativ
movement. This was aided by the population shift from the northeast to
sunbelt (south, southwest)
• Goldwater and Reagan hailed from the emerging sunbelt (Arizona & Cali)
• Individualist Conservatism was attractive to growing Suburban South & Southwes
Social Conservatism (Reagan Democrats)
Emphasized conservative rejection of cultural liberalism in the 1960s
Included middle class and working class voters who were “social
conservatives” after 1968
• They had been Democrats/Welfare Liberals.
• When Democrats/Welfare Liberals embraced feminism, affirmative action, anti-war
protests, & progressive causes like gay marriage, this Group of Voters switched
over to Republican Party
• Sometimes referred to as “Reagan Democrats” or “Nixon Democrats”
Reagan-Rove Coalition 1968 - 2012
Neo-Conservatism (Irving Kristol, Richard Perle)
Disenchanted Welfare Liberals
Started by Irving Kristol (former Socialist/Trotskyite)
Very strong Anti-communism in 1980s
Neo-conservatism declined in 1990s after the Cold War ended.
But 9/11 breathed new life into neo-conservatives’ influence
Strong supporters of War in Iraq
The Religious Right
Developed in Early 1970s
Opposition to legalization of abortion (Roe v Wade 1973)
Opposition to increased restrictions on religion in public schools
Ralph Reed’s Christian Coalition significantly enhanced their political power in
the 1980s & 1990s
James Dobson’s Focus on the Family significantly enhanced their political in the
early 00s
Decline of Reagan-Rove Coalition
Coalition worked very well for Pres Reagan, Bush I, Bush II
Breakdown of Coalition in ‘08 & ‘12 Presidential Elections
If so, which of the 4 components is still robust?
Individualist Conservatism still strong
Social Conservatives (Reagan Democrats) less strong
Religious Right & Neoconservatism less strong
Need for new coalition, including support for social
progressive causes & libertarianism