Over the past month or so, we've been asking ourselves the question:
But so far, we haven't come up with a specific definition. Why? Because there are so many different schools of conservative thought (including libertarian), that we want to make sure we understand (at least) the prominent schools of conservative thought, before making any attempt to definine the movement overall.
We have defined 2 primary schools of conservative thought - neoconservatism and paleoconservatism. We've also looked into the history of the conservative movement, the basics of conservative philosophy (including a guest post by Greg Lawson), libertarianism, William F. Buckley, and conservative pioneer, Albert J. Nock.
But as I sit here and type this, I realize we're at a crossroads, because there's no clear definition of what conservative means today. I'm not even sure what we'd call it! But I guess we'd have to know what it is, first. So ...
What Does Conservatism Mean Today?
Some people describe themselves today, as "crunchy conservatives." But I find them to be too far from conservatism's roots to be taken seriously. There are also "cultural conservatives," who appear to be paleocons with an admiration for the State. Others call themselves "fiscal conservatives," which is ... well, I'm not exactly sure. And then of course, we have the "social conservatives," who are better known as the "Religious Right."
There are many other terms used to describe conservatism these days too, including Toryism, Trotskyism, Free-market Post-Nationalists, Nationalists, National Greatness Lite Conservatives, Evolutionary Conservatives, and Post-Modern Conservatives ...
It's no wonder the conservative movement is having a hard time getting its message across these days ... Nobody even knows what conservative means!
Also, I've run across a lot of controversy in my research too, most of which revolves around neoconservatism. Over the years, the term neoconservative has been used rather liberally by both advocates, and opponents alike. Yet, the term does have a specific meaning. So when it comes to the Average Joe calling himself a "neocon" (as in new or modern), I don't think he really knows what that means (a topic for another time).
And last but not least, there's what I see as the biggest problem facing the conservative movement today, which is the wholesale rejection of the Old Right (paleoconservatives and paleolibertarians). Thus, bringing us to a BIG fork in the road ...
Because if the conservative movement has decided to wash its hands clean of its own heritage (a very nonconservative thing to do btw), as seems to be so, then the word conservative no longer has any real meaning!
Back in the early 20th century, the progressives successfully stole the word "liberal" from us. Has the word "conservative" now, been stolen too?
