Modern Conservative Approaches
Traditional conservatism stands against radicalism and permissiveness, believing change should only occur to preserve what's valuable. It advocates hierarchical and paternalistic values, viewing human nature as fundamentally flawed and in need of guidance. The traditional conservatism of Burke gradually evolved into one-nation conservatism as industrialisation created new social realities.
One-nation conservatism (associated with figures like Cameron and Johnson) maintains opposition to radical change while accepting a larger state role in promoting social cohesion. It embraces welfare provisions as a safety net and encourages voluntary contributions to society (Cameron's "big society"). One-nation conservatives believe in more evenly distributed wealth and giving people access to capital.
The New Right emerged partly in response to economic challenges, questioning whether too much government involvement had caused problems. It combines neo-liberalism (free markets, privatisation, low taxation) with neo-conservatism (traditional morals, strong law and order, national defence). Thatcher exemplified this approach, promoting free markets while opposing permissive social changes.
Consider this: The New Right presents an interesting paradox—it seeks to remove state economic control while increasing societal control through law, order and traditional morality.
New Right thinkers embrace atomistic individualism and "trickle-down economics," believing individual actions should have consequences. They oppose generous welfare provisions, arguing these create dependency. For the New Right, the individual is sovereign, but the economy enables this sovereignty within a framework of law and order.