The Evolution of Conservative Thought: An Overview
The Conservative Party, a prominent political faction in the United Kingdom, traces its roots to the 1830s when it was rebranded from its earlier incarnation as the Tory Party. The Tory label had emerged as an insult during the Exclusion Crisis under Charles II in the 1670s, before the Tory Party eventually adopted it as a label of its own. Over time, the Conservative Party has evolved and solidified its position as a significant force in British and, later, American politics.
The Rise of American Conservatism
Moreover, a timeline of modern American conservatism reveals key events, developments, and occurrences that have shaped conservative thought. Beginning in earnest after the 1960s, when the conservative wing of the Democratic Party declined, conservatism is now most closely associated with the Republican Party (GOP).
Economic conservatives, a faction within the GOP, advocate for reduced government regulation, lower taxes, and weaker labor unions. On the other hand, social conservatives focus on moral issues, while neoconservatives emphasize democracy on a global scale. Additionally, conservatives often express skepticism towards the United Nations and European institutions. Some also support a strong military and maintain a strong allegiance to Israel.
Key Figures in Conservative Politics
One of the most influential figures in consolidating conservatism as a distinct political movement was William F. Buckley. He founded the influential National Review magazine in 1955 and became a prolific author and a preeminent intellectual voice for conservatism. In 1964, Barry Goldwater became the first presidential candidate to explicitly identify with the conservative cause, significantly boosting the profile of conservatism.
The Political Climate in the UK
Despite the Conservative Party's success in recent elections, particularly in the 2019 general election, there are ongoing debates and criticisms. The 2012 coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives is often cited as a contributing factor to the Liberal Democrats' decline in popularity. Additionally, the complexities surrounding Brexit, and the subsequent publications of Brexit deals, have exacerbated divisions in the electorate.
The 2019 election saw a landslide victory for the Conservatives primarily because many voters were ready for the conclusion of the Brexit process. However, this victory has also led to concerns that the Conservative Party may now believe it can act with impunity. These dynamics underscore the need for proportional representation (ProRep) systems to foster more inclusive and consensus-based governance.
Modifications to the UK’s electoral system, such as the adoption of proportional representation, could lead to a government formed by consensus rather than majority rule. Currently, only two countries in Europe—Britain and Belarus—still use the first-past-the-post electoral system. ProRep systems could lead to a more collaborative and mutually beneficial political environment.