What provisions underlie conservative ideology. Conservatism and its practical implementation in the politics of different countries

In conservatism, the main value is the preservation of the traditions of society, its institutions, beliefs and even “prejudices”.

As an ideology, it was formed as a reaction to the “horrors of the French Revolution” (Edmund Burke's famous pamphlet, 1790). Opposes liberalism, which demands economic freedoms, and socialism, which demands social equality. In addition to Burke, the French Jesuit Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821) and the Austrian Chancellor Clement Metternich (1773-1859) made a huge contribution to the development of conservatism.

In the Russian Federation, the country's largest party, United Russia, officially proclaimed “Russian conservatism” as its ideology in 2009, also setting a course for conservative modernization following the example of post-war Germany and Japan. According to political scientist Joseph Diskin, United Russia Chairman Vladimir Putin sees his kinship with the Russian liberal-conservative of the early 20th century, Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin.

Political scientist Leonid Polyakov believes that conservatism is “the key to understanding Russia,” and the future of the country depends on the political effectiveness of the established Russian party conservatism.

Since 2005, the main platform for the formation of the ideology of modern Russian conservatism has been the Center for Social Conservative Policy (TSSKP). In the understanding of the CSKP experts, “conservatism is not a “repressive” ideology, not an apologetics of the state and normative order as an intrinsic value, but an ideology that recognizes the human personality in its true dignity and significance. It is the anthropological foundations of conservatism, an appeal to the spiritual understanding of the essence and purpose people are the central circumstance in connection with which all other aspects of the ideology of conservatism stand. Thus, with all its ambiguity, attachment to specific historical and cultural contexts, in general, conservatism is distinguished from “non-conservatism” by: recognition of existence (along with natural-material) eternal spiritual foundations of human and social existence, the desire for the practical implementation of requirements for man, society and the state arising from the recognition of the existence of their spiritual foundations. The most common definition of conservatism today is as an ideological position that recognizes the value of historical experience in the context of modernity and tasks. social development, is generally fair, but insufficient. Genuine conservatism values ​​and uses historical experience, but approaches it selectively, based on the criteria of a “supratemporal”, “eternal” plan, which are the understood, conceptualized “spiritual foundations of society” in a certain way (S. L. Frank).

Conservatism in other countries

Depending on the country, the policies and goals of conservative political parties vary. Both conservatives and liberals advocate private property, in opposition to the communists, socialists and green parties who support public property and the implementation of laws requiring social responsibility on the part of owners. Mainly, disagreements between conservatives and liberals arise on the basis of issues of social importance. Conservatives do not accept behavior that does not conform to social norms. For a long time, conservative parties fought to limit the voting rights of non-Christians, women and people of other races. Modern Conservative parties often pit themselves against Liberals and Labour. For the United States, the use of the term “conservative” is specific.

Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom managed to maintain viable conservative parties in the 1980s. In countries such as Australia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malta, New Zealand, Spain and the USA, there were no conservative parties, although there were right-wing parties - Christian Democrats or Liberals. In Canada, Ireland and Portugal, the parties on the right are the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, Fianna Fáil, Finn Gael and the Progressive Democrats in Ireland, and the Social Democratic Party of Portugal. Since then, the Swiss People's Party has joined the radical right and is no longer considered conservative.

Claus von Baime, who developed a method for classifying parties, found that no modern party in the West could be considered conservative, although communist and pro-communist parties had many similarities to conservatism. In Italy united by liberals and radicals during the Risorgimento, it was liberals, not conservatives, who formed the party of the right. In the Netherlands, conservatives united into the Christian Democratic Party. Conservatism in Austria, Germany, Portugal and Spain was modified and included in fascism or the extreme right movement. In 1940, all Japanese parties were united into a single fascist party. After the end of the war, Japanese conservatives immediately returned to politics, but most of them were exempted from government activities.

Louis Hartz believed that the lack of conservatism in Australia and the United States was a result of the fact that their colonies were considered part of liberal or radical Great Britain. Although Hartz argued that there was little Conservative influence in English-speaking Canada, later scholars argued that it was Loyalists who rejected the American Revolution who spread Tory ideology in Canada. Hartz explained conservatism in Quebec and Latin America as a result of the first settlements in the form of feudal communities. American conservative writer Russell Kirk suggested that conservatism was widespread in the United States and presented the American Revolution as "conservative".

For a long time, a conservative elite ruled the Latin American people. To a greater extent, this was achieved through control and support of the institutions of civil society, the church and armed forces than political parties. Typically, the church was exempt from paying taxes, and clergy were protected from legal prosecution. Where conservative parties were weakened or non-existent, conservatives increasingly relied on military dictatorship as their preferred form of government. However, those countries in which the elite managed to find support for conservative parties in society have achieved political stability. Chile, Colombia and Venezuela are examples of countries with strong conservative parties. In Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador and Peru, conservatism did not exist at all. After the civil war of 1858-1863, the Conservative Party of Venezuela ceased to exist. Chile's conservative party, the National Party, was dissolved after a military coup in 1973 and did not revive even after the return to democracy.

Colombia

Luxembourg

In 1914, Luxembourg's most influential party, the Christian People's Social Party, was formed. Initially it was considered “right”, but acquired its current name. In the 20th century it occupied leading place in Luxembourg politics and had the largest number of members.

Norway

The Conservative Party of Norway was formed thanks to the ruling elite of statesmen and wealthy merchants. The party's goal was to fight the populist democracy of the liberals. With the establishment of a parliamentary form of government in 1884, the party lost power. The first parliamentary government was formed in 1889, and only in the 1930s did power become concentrated in the hands of the main political party, the Labor Party.

USA

In the United States, conservatism included a wide variety of political trends, such as financial, economic, social, liberal, religious conservatism, and bioconservatism.

Modern American conservatism traces its heritage to the Anglo-Irish politician and philosopher Edmund Burke. US President Abraham Lincoln wrote that conservatism is a commitment to the old and proven versus the new and unknown. Ronald Reagan, a self-proclaimed conservative, 40th President of the United States, was seen as a symbol of American conservatism.

France

After World War II, the Gaullists supported French conservatives, putting forward nationalist slogans such as loyalty to tradition, order and the unification of the country. Since World War II, conservatism has remained a major political force in France. It is unusual that the French form of conservatism was formed around the personality of Charles de Gaulle, and was similar to the traditions of Bonapartism. Gaullism in France flowed into the Union for a Popular Movement. And the word “conservative” itself has become a dirty word.

Notes

see also

• Conservatism in Christianity

Literature

• Philosophy and socio-political values ​​of conservatism in the public consciousness of Russia: From origins to the present. Ed. Yu. N. Solonina. Vol. 1. St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg State. univ., 2004, 320 p.
• Polyakova N.V. Anthropology of Russian conservatism // Alexander Ivanovich Vvedensky and his philosophical era. - St. Petersburg, 2006, p. 252-265
• A. Yu. Minakov. Features of Russian conservatism in the first quarter of the 19th century // Dialogue with time. Almanac of Intellectual History, 34, 2011,
• Modern Russian conservatism. Digest of articles. M., 2011. http://www.cscp.ru/files/rmoHZ2U1hEbQgIW.pdf
• Michael Dorfman What is conservatism

Links

• Center for Conservative Research at the Faculty of Sociology of Moscow State University

Send your good work in the knowledge base is simple. Use the form below

Students, graduate students, young scientists who use the knowledge base in their studies and work will be very grateful to you.

Posted on http://www.allbest.ru/

• Introduction
• 1. Conservatism as an ideology
• 2. Ideology of conservatism: origins, essence, evolution
• 3. Principles and guidelines of conservatism
• 4. Conservatism in the context of the ideology of the Belarusian state
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

• Introduction

The formation of the ideology of the modern Belarusian state does not happen in a vacuum. It is based on the experience of the development and functioning of long-established world ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.

The term “conservatism” comes from the Latin “conserve”, which means “I preserve, protect”.

Conservatism is a multi-level and complex social phenomenon. This:

1) political ideology, which puts forward as priorities the maintenance of the moral and ethical foundations of society, the natural historical established institutions of the state and political procedures, as well as the preservation of stability (order) and continuity as factors in the sustainable development of society;

2) a set of parties and movements occupying the main positions on the right side of the ideological and political spectrum.

There are also special situational interpretations of conservatism - S. Huntington, for example, proposed considering it a phenomenon with historically changing value content: it is “a system of ideas that serves to preserve the existing order, regardless of where and when it takes place, and is directed against any attempts its destruction."

Political conservatism was a reaction to the excessive radicalism of the French Revolution. And if many of his ideas (organism, the cult of unlimited monarchical power and clericalism, the inviolability of class privileges) were rejected by the subsequent development of political thought, others (the need for respect for the state and the norms of traditional morality, allowing only gradual, evolutionary changes in society, criticism of egalitarian psychology and excessive individualism) were continued in the ideology of neoconservatism (or liberal conservatism), the key developers of which were A. de Tocqueville, R. Acton, F. Hayek, K. Popper, I. Kristol, etc.

This ideology was formed at the beginning of the 19th century and was a counterbalance to liberalism. If liberalism expressed the interests of the bourgeoisie, then conservatism expressed the interests of the landowning aristocracy (England - E. Burke, France - de Mester and de Bonallier).

Conservative ideology opposes the ideal of liberalism and revolutionary radicalism in transforming social foundations. The main meaning of the ideology of conservatism is to justify the primordial traditions and social institutions (patriarchal family, community, church, guild, aristocracy, etc.), which are considered a manifestation of natural law and grow in a natural historical way from the natural nature of man and society.

In contrast to liberal views on human nature, which defend the ideals of freedom, equality, fraternity, conservatives believe that human nature is inherently imperfect, that a radical reorganization of society is always doomed to failure, since in this case, for centuries, the established natural order corresponding to the nature of man is violated. The concept of freedom is completely alien.

The first formalization of conservatism into a relatively coherent system of views occurred in the works of thinkers who spoke at the height of the French Revolution, the Englishman Edmund Burke (1729-1797), the Frenchmen Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821) and Louis Bonald (1754-1840). Of course, the palm among these “founding fathers” of conservatism as a socio-political movement rightfully belongs to Edmund Burke. His book "Reflections on the Revolution in France", which appeared in 1790 (still considered something of a bible of conservatism), where he was the first to criticize the French Revolution and for the first time formed the basic principles of the ideology of conservatism. These ideas of Burke gave rise to numerous followers.

Subsequently, prominent representatives of conservative thought were the French Francois de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), Felista de Lamennais (1782-1854), Joseph Arthur de Gobineau (1816-1882), the Englishman Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), the Spaniard X. Donosa Cortes (1809 - 1853), German Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898). Of the famous scientists of the 20th century. Followers of this analytical tradition include the Italian Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941), the Germans Carl Schmitt (1888-1985), Martin Heidegger (1889-1976), the Americans Daniel Bell (b. 1919), Seymour Martin Lipset (b. 1922 ). It should be noted that today in Western countries the conservative socio-political tradition is continued by a very impressive number of academic researchers and practical politicians.

The term conservatism was first used French writer- the romantic F. Chateaubriand, who gave the name Conservator to a periodical publication intended to promote the ideas of political and clerical restoration. This concept came into wide use in Germany in the 30s of the 19th century, and in England it was officially adopted in 1835, and began to denote the ideology of the feudal-aristocratic reaction of the period of the French bourgeois revolution of the late 19th century, as well as criticism of the ideas of enlightenment on the right and an apology for feudal foundations and noble-clerical privileges.

In Russia, the foundations of conservative political philosophy were laid by N.N. Karanzin in the Note on Ancient and New Russia (1811), as well as in the History of the Russian State (1804 - 1829).

Among prominent representatives of Belarusian socio-political thought, the ideas of Western European conservatism did not have their obvious followers and converts, due to the peculiarities of social historical development Belarusian society, Long time deprived of an independent political path, the opportunity to be the subject of his own historical fate. However, researchers of the culture of Belarus in the 16th - 17th centuries. tend to assess S. Budny's social and political views as moderately conservative, since he is a supporter of active social activities within the framework of existing public institutions. S. Budny contrasted the model of social order based on peaceful coexistence and cooperation between different social groups, developing evolutionarily, without revolutionary upheavals.

conservatism ideology absolutism Belarusian

1. Conservatism, Howideology

In political vocabulary the concept of conservatism for a long time used with a negative connotation. It served, as a rule, to indicate an inert adherence to everything that is unchangeable, outdated in public life and was defined only as a reactionary trend in politics, however, recently it has been characterized by a steady interest in this political trend, a desire to rethink its ideological principles. This interest is connected, first of all, with the fact that the 80s were triumphant for political parties of a conservative orientation in all leading Western countries. The interest in conservatism for our socio-political science is also associated with the process of breaking the old paradigm and searching for a new one. It must be assumed that this process will lead to a rethinking of the tradition of the hierarchy of various ideological and political values ​​that developed in previous years.

There are various definitions of political conservatism in the literature. In the very general view it can be interpreted as a socio-political movement focused on preserving and strengthening existing forms of economic, social and political life, traditional spiritual values, the denial of revolutionary changes, distrust of popular movements, and a critical and negative attitude towards reformist projects. This socio-political orientation is inherent both in fairly broad social groups, organized political forces, and in individuals in a wide variety of countries.

All researchers of conservatism agree that this current of socio-political thought was formed after the Great French Revolution as a result of a critical assessment of its experience and results. Its fundamental postulates were born as a response, a reaction to the first experience of the French revolutionaries implementing the ideas of the Enlightenment. Of course, conservative thought did not remain unchanged; over 200 years it has undergone significant evolution, adapting to a changing world.

Conservatism is an ideology aimed at consciously maintaining identity and preserving the living continuity of evolutionary development.

Conservatism- ideological commitment to traditional values ​​and orders, social or religious doctrines. The main value is the preservation of the traditions of society, its institutions and values. Conservatives in domestic policy emphasize the value of the existing state and social order and reject radical reforms, which they regard as extremism. In foreign policy, conservatives rely on strengthening security, allow the use of military force, try to support traditional allies, and defend protectionism in foreign economic relations.

Conservatism is a set of socio-philosophical ideas, as well as economic, political, and other values ​​and ideals, which, revealing the nature of society, the state and the place of the individual in them, are focused on preserving established traditions and a cautious attitude towards radical changes. Conservatism as an ideology does not always coincide with the programs of political parties that call themselves conservative.

The most important feature of conservative ideology is that it is focused on protecting the existing foundations of social life and has a negative attitude towards popular movements and revolutionary changes. Conservatism is based on the priority of continuity over innovation, on the recognition of the inviolability of the order that has developed naturally, as well as the paramount importance in the life of society of morality, family, religion and property.

Conservative reaction to change can be very different: it is open opposition, based on the idea of modern model society, as justice for all times, and a reactionary focus on restoring the social order that existed in an earlier period. Conservatism does not recognize one once and for all chosen form of social order, paying attention mainly to the nature of changes and insisting that they should only be gradual, evolutionary.

Its characteristic feature is opposition to certain types of reforms, especially those that proceed from abstract ideas, and not from the objective course of development of activity. Ideologically, conservatism can take many forms.

The following basic principles and position of the ideology of conservatism are highlighted:

§ The principle of the established order of things as the law of prescription (E. Burke). According to this principle, society is a product of natural historical development, and its institutions are not an artificial invention, because embody the wisdom of their ancestors.

§ The basis of society is religion, because Man is a religious being.

§ The basis of human behavior is experience, habits, prejudices, and not abstract theories, because Man is an instinctive, sensual and rational being.

§ Society (community of people) is a form of protection of a person from himself and therefore it should be valued above the individual, and human rights are a consequence of his duties.

§ The principle of anti-ethalitarianism, according to which people are not equal by nature and therefore differences, hierarchy and the right of those more worthy to rule over others are inevitable in society. The ideology of conservatism recognizes the equality of people only in the sphere of morality and ethics, relations before God and divine justice. Conservatism is consistent anti-ethalitarianism. This is justified by the fact that social hierarchy, i.e. inequality of people is a necessary basis for order and social stability. People are not equal in their abilities, and the attitude of hierarchy is directed against the power of the inferior.

§ The principle of stability and immutability of the social system, according to which the existing social order it is necessary to protect it, because attempts to radically change it, improve it, for example, to eliminate existing evil, lead to even greater evil. According to this principle, there is a presumption in favor of any established system of government, against any unused project.

§ The principle of moral absolutism, according to which there are eternal and unshakable moral ideals and values, since human nature is unchangeable.

§ According to the principle of meritocracy, formulated by E. Burke, power should belong to the natural aristocracy, i.e. the most gifted, worthy people, people from various social groups.

§ The principle of regionalism, according to which it is necessary to focus on local, regional, national values ​​and traditions. Hence the importance of the ideas of local self-government.

Modern conservatism, which accepts political democracy, adheres not so much to the orientations of anti-etalitarianism, but rather to elitist democracy, which provides mechanisms for a professional political elite and the power of the worthy. At the same time, this ideology is characterized by a negative attitude towards the politicization of the property of wide public highways as a trend of the twentieth century, leading to the destabilization of society.

Conservatism as a socio-political phenomenon and ideology has undoubted political features and positive social significance, therefore it can and should be present within reasonable limits in the political life of every country. Without a conservative principle, it is impossible to ensure the stability of society and its evolutionary development. Conservatism defends and affirms many of the values ​​that are necessary for society and any decent person. What is very attractive in conservatism is its sacred respect for historically established traditions, customs, moral norms and ideals, as well as its prudence. A balanced attitude towards all innovations and arbitrary transformations. Natural healthy and moderate conservatism is persistently present in the character of the Belarusian people, our national mentality.

2. Ideology of conservatism: origins, essence, evolution

Conservatism is an ideological movement that insists on gradual changes in society, taking into account established organic collective values ​​and traditions that have proven themselves over time. Conservatism is not a theory (even in the weakened sense of the word), but a special style, or way, of thinking about social problems, within which there are different specific social theories, often sharply polemicizing with each other.

Origins.

The origin of conservatism is usually associated with the publication in 1790 of the work of the English political thinker E. Burke, “Reflections on the Revolution in France.” The main problem of his work is the question of why the English revolution of 1640 gave birth to freedom in society, and the French revolution degenerated into unheard-of tyranny. Other prominent representatives of conservatism are the Catholic theologians J. de Maistre (“Exploration of France,” “Notes on Sovereignty,” “On the Origin of Political Constitutions”), Louis de Bonald (“Theory of Political and Religious Power”) and the Swiss politician and writer E. Haller.

The general provisions shared by representatives of this trend during the 18th-19th centuries are as follows:

1) The laws of history and society are predetermined by God, and man cannot speed up the course of history and create fundamentally new social institutions without causing chaos (J. de Maistre: “Man is capable of changing everything in the field of his activity, but he does not create anything, both in the physical and moral spheres").

2) Human nature is complex and contradictory, and social relations are too complex and confusing - and therefore the transition to a simple social structure, as well as its restructuring according to a rational plan, is impossible and harmful; the improvement of man can be gradually achieved through proper upbringing and education within the framework of existing institutions (J. de Maistre: “The art of reforming governments does not lie in overthrowing them and rebuilding them on the basis of ideal theories”).

3) Society is not the product of human activity, but man is the product of society’s vital activity (education, upbringing), and therefore his forces are insufficient for a radical social restructuring (L. de Bonald: “Man exists only through society, and society creates him for itself” ).

4) Conservative thinkers, one way or another, have the idea of ​​​​a certain vital beginning of everything real world. For example, for V. Solovyov, Sophia acted as such a life principle - the Soul of the world, the Wisdom of God. It was assumed that a person’s attempt to interfere in the natural evolutionary and organic process of development of society can only bring harm (for society is an organism, and it cannot be rebuilt like a machine). Therefore, any changes can only be partial and gradual.

5) Prejudices and traditions (“hidden collective intelligence”, “ age-old wisdom people") have an advantage over abstract philosophical and political theories and the mind of an individual (“the mind of sophists and economists”), since they are supported by the experience of generations and naturally complement the laws (Rivarol: “Whatever judgments or prejudices may be, they are good because they are stable. And therefore they complement the laws so well”).

6) Human rights are an abstraction, devoid of historical roots, unlike the specific rights of the British or French (i.e. “historical right”), and an individual should not oppose himself to society as a whole (organicism).

7) Laws and constitutions are truly effective if they are based on moral and religious norms (E. Burke: “We know that we have not made any discoveries, and we think that there is no need for any discoveries in morality”) and have unwritten character (J. de Maistre: “There are many laws that need to be followed, but which do not need to be written down”).

8) The mind of an individual in matters of politics and social order is doomed to error, because it cannot comprehend the full complexity of the problems existing in this area - which again emphasizes the importance of relying on experience and tradition (J. de Maistre points out that “experience and history almost always contradict abstract theories”; E. Burke admits that “the mind of an individual is limited, and it is better for the individual to take advantage of the common bank and capital of nations accumulated over the centuries”).

9) Revolution does not liberate, but destroys man; Moreover, it is not so much man who controls the revolution as the revolution controls man.

Essence

Today, supporters of the ideology of conservatism see its advantage in the fact that, while maintaining its ideological and value core and accepting various modifications (liberal conservatism, religious conservatism, elitist conservatism), it is able to absorb new ideas (social, technological, etc.) and provide answers to the main challenges of our time:

1) global chaos - through the strengthening of national states and national-religious traditions, which will provide the world with genuine, geopolitical multipolarity and intercivilizational dialogue;

2) social autonomy - through strengthening the traditional moral and religious values ​​of society;

3) the problem of social atomization - through the consolidation of society on the basis of common spiritual and moral values;

4) the problem of political alienation - through the creation of a fundamentally new model of relations between the elite and society, built on the principles of service and responsibility;

5) the problem of global resource shortages - through the promotion of the idea of ​​individual self-restraint in order to satisfy spiritual needs, as well as the creation of a more environmentally friendly and socially oriented economic model.

Evolution.

The term “conservatism” in its modern meaning was first introduced by the French royalist and classic of European literature Francois René de Chateaubriand. Conservatism originated in England as a direct reaction to the French Revolution of 1789. Its founder was E. Burke, who made a significant contribution to the development of conservatism in the 19th century. S. Coleridge, A. Tocqueville, A. Muller, J. de Maistre, F. Lamennais, L. Bonald and others. The word came into wide use in Germany in the 1830s, in England it was accepted only in the 1930s e years Conservatism has always opposed, on the one hand, liberalism, with which it shared, however, many important common values, and on the other, socialism. At the end of the 19th century. socialism decisively supplanted not only liberalism, but also conservatism. In the 1930s, when the death of radical socialism became clear, liberalism came to the fore, insisting on state regulation of the economy and the transfer to the state of a number of social functions. Supporters of conservatism continued to advocate freedom of market relations. In the 1970s The term “neoconservatism” appeared and gained influence, recognizing in principle the need for government intervention in the economy, but assigning the main role to market regulation mechanisms. 1980s became a period of victories for political parties of a conservative orientation in many developed capitalist countries.

According to the founders, conservatism is a system of ideas that serves to preserve the existing order, whatever this order may be. Conservatism arises where and when social institutions face the threat of radical changes. Therefore, every time conservatism acquires an ideological form that is opposite to the doctrine from which the threat of change comes. It does not have its own content. For a true conservative, what is important is not even the truth or fairness of his opinion, but its institutionality, i.e. the ability to protect a given social system and ensure the retention of state power. Nevertheless, the practical experience and rhetoric of conservatives make it possible to identify general provisions characteristic of this ideological direction.

The term “conservatism” was introduced into broad political circulation already in the mid-30s of the 19th century. As an ideological movement, conservatism arose at the end of the 19th century. in the context of a crisis of classical liberal ideology caused by the expansion of state activities to regulate the economy in industrialized countries.

In conservatism, the main value is the preservation of the traditions of society, its institutions, beliefs and even “prejudices,” although the development of society is not rejected if it is gradual, evolutionary. Conservatism allows inequality as a property of society. One of the main features of conservatism is the rejection of revolutionary changes.

Conservatism is a set of heterogeneous ideological, political and cultural movements based on the idea of ​​tradition and continuity in social and cultural life. Over the course of history, conservatism has acquired various forms, but in general it is characterized by adherence to existing and established social systems and norms, rejection of revolutions and radical reforms, and advocacy of the evolutionary, original development of society and the state. In conditions of social change, conservatism manifests itself in a cautious attitude towards the destruction of old orders, restoration of lost positions, and recognition of the value of the ideals of the past. Conservatism is one of the four so-called basic ideologies (that is, those that have a tradition behind them and continue to “work” today): democracy, liberalism, socialism and conservatism. The slogan of conservatism is traditional unity.

The main provisions of conservatism (another interpretation, modern view):

1) The possibilities of the human mind and knowledge of society are limited, for man by nature is an imperfect, base and largely vicious being. Due to the imperfection of human nature, all projects for the radical reconstruction of society are doomed to failure, since they violate the established order for centuries.

2) Moral absolutism, recognition of the existence of unshakable moral ideals and values.

3) Traditionalism. Traditional principles are, according to theorists of conservatism, the foundation of any healthy society.

4) Denial of the possibility of social equality. At the same time, conservatism has a positive attitude towards the idea of ​​equality of people before God. Equality exists in the field of morality and virtue, perhaps even political equality.

5) Conservatives are adherents of a strict hierarchy of society, in which each person occupies a strictly assigned place corresponding to his status.

6) At first, conservatives expressed distrust of democracy, especially of the populist variety, conservatives became supporters of elitist democracy, when the democratic mechanism makes it possible to form a professional political elite and promotes worthy people to power (the principle of meritocracy - power should be in the hands of worthy people, people from various social groups ). Worthy - worthy - this is the principle of conservatives in relation to the social status of an individual. The participation of the masses in politics must be limited and controlled.

7) B economic sphere Conservatives, just like liberals, rely on the development of business and private entrepreneurship. They oppose strict government control over the functioning of the economy. The economy should have maximum freedom. Freedom is interpreted by many conservatives as the right of every person to property and unlimited competition in society. Private property is sacred and inviolable. It is a guarantee of personal freedom, prosperity and social order. Therefore, no one has the right to encroach on private property, to alienate it under any pretext in their favor.

8) In the political sphere, conservatives advocate strong and effective government. At the same time, it must be limited by constitutional and moral norms. The state is called upon to guard private property, human rights and freedoms.

9) In the social sphere, conservatives advocate the creation of a system of social self-sufficiency in society.

3. Principles and guidelines of conservatism

If we try to isolate the key position of the ideology of social conservatism, which underlies all its other postulates, then its essence can be expressed as follows: understanding of society as a spiritual reality, which has its own inner life and a very fragile structure; confidence that society is an organism and cannot be rebuilt like a machine.

Taking a closer look at conservatism, as its analysts note, three cardinal problems are clearly visible, which today are key both in this theoretical tradition itself and in the struggle of conservatism with other ideological directions. First of all, we are talking about a conservative understanding of the rational in the socio-historical process. The second problem is the attitude towards society. And the third is the problem of revolutions. Let us turn to the conservative interpretation of each of these problems.

One of the central tenets of conservatism, from which many others flow, is the idea that the human mind is limited in its ability to perceive society in its totality, understand the meaning and purpose of the social process and determine the place of man in this process. All prominent representatives of this tradition believed that public affairs, along with reason, are ruled by Providence, which, according to religious ideas, is understood as the divine power that directs the destinies of people and the whole world for the good. They view the real social process as the result of trial and error, experience accumulated and passed on from generation to generation, embodied in social institutions and values ​​that a person did not consciously construct and therefore does not have the right to radically change. Therefore, one of the fundamental principles of conservative ideology and practice is that while we should always strive to improve our institutions, we never set out to remake them entirely, and therefore in our efforts to improve them we must take for granted much that we do not understand; we must constantly act within and within both values ​​and institutions that are not of our own making.

The second problem, arising from the first, is related to clarifying the essence of society and the relationships of people in this society, as well as determining the nature of the relationship between society and the state. Since their formation as a current of social thought, conservatives have been opposing supporters of the concept of natural rights and the contractual origin of civil society and the state in resolving these issues. The latter proceed from the fact that the state, in essence, is a secondary institution; it arises on the basis of an agreement between people pursuing their own interests, but located in a pre-civil society. Conservatives believe that the state is a kind of constantly existing organic integrity, individual parts of which appear, change and disappear, but it itself remains unchanged.

The third problem concerns the issue of social change: evolutionary and revolutionary. Based on the idea of ​​the limitations of reason in determining the essence and direction of development of social processes, as well as from the idea of ​​the organic nature of society and the state, conservatives adhere to the concept of the historical unity of the past, present and future, continuity and renewal of social ties transmitted from ancestors to descendants. They believe that the future must be derived from the past, and therefore great importance give to the formation of the historical consciousness of their peoples, respect for the heritage of the past, religious traditions and values.

This results in a sharply negative attitude of conservatives towards the revolution. Based on an analysis of the revolutionary processes that took place in many European countries from the 18th to the 20th centuries, conservative thought argues that attempts to make a radical break with reality and put into practice a rationally constructed schematic model of society, within which all antagonistic contradictions are removed, inevitably leads to exactly the opposite results. Conservatives insist that the human mind is not omnipotent and therefore many mistakes will be made both in the project of a complete reconstruction of society and in the course of implementing this project.

One of the central provisions for the ideology and practice of conservatism, which seems to concentrate all the postulates discussed above, is the concept of order opposed to chaos. In maintaining such an order, including in the functioning of social and political institutions, the decisive role is assigned to the state, which is separated from society and stands above it. Only a strong state, according to conservatives, is capable of ensuring a healthy social order, conquering the selfishness of various social groups and subordinating them to a single goal, the common good. Freedom for conservatives is not absolute; it is relative and is allowed only within the necessary restrictions. For them, the interests of the state, nation, community are immeasurably higher than the interests of the individual or any social group. Conservatives also consider inequality to be the most important factor of order, since, according to their ideas, no society is possible without hierarchy. Equality, in their opinion, should exist only in the area of ​​morality and virtue, where everyone is obliged to fulfill their duty.

Here, by the way, it will be noted that this feature of conservatism, i.e. commitment to the idea of ​​the supremacy of the interests of the nation over individual, group or class interests brings it closer to nationalism and such a variety of the latter as fascism. What their supporters have in common is their admiration for the state: both see it as the focus of the national spirit, the guarantee of stability and order. But this is where the similarities between conservatism and nationalism and fascism end. Fascism as a political ideology and practice has absorbed a number of new features that distinguish it from traditional conservatism. The fascists put forward and tried to put into practice not just the idea of ​​a strong state, but a totalitarian state that absorbed the entire society. Unlike conservatives, who reject dictatorial forms of government, fascists worship violence as a means of solving any social problem. Everywhere they came to power, the institutions of democracy, the basic political rights and freedoms of citizens were liquidated, and state-organized terror became the main method of exercising power. As already noted, totalitarianism in all its forms has shown its futility, which cannot be said about conservatism.

The stated fundamental provisions of classical conservatism as a direction of social thought underlie conservatism as a political practice. Let us emphasize: the essence of the latter is a protective approach to the existing social system. This, however, does not mean at all that conservatives deny any conscious changes in public life. They are only against radical changes, since there are no guarantees that complete reconstruction existing world will lead to a working social system. According to the figurative remark of Karl Popper, a politician, like an artist who erases everything from a canvas in order to write on it again, does not understand that he himself and his ideas are included in the old picture of the world and that by destroying it, he thereby destroys his own thoughts, and plans, and your utopia. The result is not an ideal social model, but chaos. Conservatives prefer gradual changes in society, which leave the possibility of further correction.

Conservatism tends to preach and strive to affirm the following principles of its ideology:

1) Moral absolutism. Conservatives believe that freedom should not free people from moral precepts. The imperfection of human nature exposes a person to all sorts of temptations, therefore it is necessary to strengthen the moral and religious order. The activities of government agencies must comply with moral standards, but this does not exclude the use of force in the interests of preserving or restoring lost values.

2) Pragmatism. This means that we need sober calculation in politics for the sake of profit. In politics it is not necessary to have permanent friends or enemies, but only state (national) interests should be constant. Conservatives oppose sharp, radical reforms in society, especially since they are categorically against any revolution. It is necessary that the reformed part of society at the same time be many times smaller than the part that remains of especially gifted and capable people.

3) Traditionalism. This principle means commitment to established principles and traditions, from which the constitution (basic law) and other laws accompanying it should “grow” and improve. They must certainly reflect the result of the centuries-old experience of generations of people. The continuity of generations must necessarily be reflected in all aspects of society, including in government affairs.

Conservatism- a doctrine and socio-political movement focused on the preservation and maintenance of historically established, traditional forms state and public life, its value principles embodied in the family, nation, religion, property.

Reverence for traditions and the historical past.

The state and the ruling elite must not only govern society, but also embody the wisdom of the nation.

Justifying strong action in defense of conservative values.

A reserved attitude towards social changes, a positive attitude only towards those changes that are consistent with the existing order and develop under control, and not synchronously.

A critical attitude towards the potential possibilities for improving man and society through political means and methods: only religious faith can make a person better, political laws only prevent him from doing bad things.

Basic principles.

§ Society is a system of norms, customs, traditions, institutions rooted in history.

§ An existing institution is preferable to any theoretical scheme.

§ Pessimism in assessing human nature, skepticism regarding the human mind.

§ Disbelief in the possibility of social equality between people.

§ Private property is a guarantor of personal freedom and social order.

§ Denial of subjective will in the regulation of public life.

Basic political ideas.

§ Traditions determine the social existence of an individual.

§ Defense of family, religion and national greatness.

§ Social inequality and political competition.

§ Refusal of active political intervention in public life.

§ Disregard for parliamentarism and elected institutions of government.

4. Conservatism in the context of the ideology of the Belarusian state

At the beginning of the 21st century, ideology and ideological activity are increasingly turning from a private and personal into a public and socially significant matter. Ideology not only became known from past historical experience as a form of self-knowledge of classes and large social groups of people, but also as a form of justice and orientation of states and individuals. Conservatism as a political ideology is not only a system of protective consciousness that prefers the old system of government (regardless of its goals and content) to a new one, but also very specific guidelines and principles of political participation, attitudes towards the state, social order, etc.

Modern understanding of ideology:

§ ideology is a set of ideas that expresses the interests of the bearer,

§ a set of political beliefs and attitudes (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism, anarchism, etc.),

§ a set of ideas reflecting the economic structure of society (rich and poor, producers and consumers, etc.),

§ a system of ideas that serves and justifies certain types of social practice and differs from the theoretical understanding of reality.

Conservatives believe that human nature is inherently imperfect and that a radical reorganization of society is doomed to failure, since it would violate the centuries-old natural order that corresponds to the nature of man, to whom the concept of freedom is completely alien.

The basic principles and provisions of the ideology of conservatism are:

§ the principle of the established order of things as the “law of prescription”. According to this principle, society is a product of natural historical development.

§ the basis of civil society is religion

§ the basis of human behavior is experience, habits, prejudices, and not abstract theories.

§ society is a form of protection of a person from himself and therefore it should be valued above the individual, and human rights are a consequence of his duties.

§ the principle of anti-egalitarianism, according to which people are not equal by nature and therefore differences, hierarchy and the right of those more worthy to rule over others are inevitable in society. The ideology of conservatism recognizes the equality of people only in the sphere of morality and ethics.

§ the principle of stability and immutability of the social system, according to which the existing social system must be protected.

§ the principle of moral absolutism, according to which there are eternal and unshakable moral ideals and values, since human nature is unchangeable.

§ the principle of “meritocracy”, where power should belong to the “natural aristocracy”, i.e. the most worthy people, people from various social groups.

§ the principle of regionalism, according to which it is necessary to focus on local, religious, national values ​​and traditions. The ideas of local self-government are relevant and important.

It is important to note that conservatism acts as an ideology that fundamentally does not have the ideal of a perfect social system. She speaks only in defense of existing social institutions, proven by experience and time, when they are under threat. The fundamental practical idea of ​​conservative ideology is traditionalism - an orientation toward the preservation and protection of old patterns, ways of life, and values ​​that are recognized as universal. The most effective basis for government is a combination of the constitution and tradition. Conservative ideologists give preference to the idea of ​​practical action, the philosophy of pragmatism, adaptation to circumstances, i.e. opportunism. Pragmatism, opportunism, and an orientation towards compromise are important principles of conservative thinking.

Contrary to generally accepted opinions, it is hardly possible to admit that Belarus went through full-fledged national construction in the early 90s of the twentieth century. Liberal reforms in Belarus were slowed down and modified by significant “national characteristics”. The traditional conservatism of Belarusians had a huge impact on this process: it ensured a relatively low pace of liberal reforms. In addition, they were slowed down by the internal struggle between the functionaries of the state apparatus: the overwhelming majority of the ruling elite of Belarus was formed as the Soviet managerial elite - the directorate of large enterprises. This determined the subjective rejection of the project of shock deindustrialization on the part of this social group. However, such subjective rejection was based on significant objective premises. Thus, if in other countries total privatization and dismantling of industry was carried out with relatively minor negative social consequences, then in Belarus, which was the former assembly shop of the USSR, such measures would have left more than half of the country’s working population without means of subsistence, which would have had the most unfavorable consequences not only for socio-political stability, but also for statehood in general. Therefore, the “conservatism” of the Belarusians had and currently has a completely rational explanation.

However, the general orientation of the studies carried out in the 90s of the 20th century. reforms were, of course, liberal. Measures traditional for “shock therapy” were implemented: large-scale privatization, liberalization of regulation of the activities of business entities, restructuring of political life according to the models of classical parliamentary democracy. The implementation of these measures, encountering socio-cultural inertia and adherence to Soviet meanings and stereotypes of the majority of the population, also required the organization of powerful work to change the dominant ideological matrix.

The main direction in this work was to stimulate the development of nationalist sentiments, primarily through policies in the field of culture and education. These transformations, however, were not of such a radical nature that modern Belarusian official propaganda is trying to attribute to them. Thus, the law “On Languages” adopted in 1990 declared the Belarusian language the only state language, but also took into account the interests of the country’s linguistic minorities. In addition, the introduction of this law into force was extended over time.

However, in the conditions of the early 90s for Belarus, which just a few years ago was considered the most union of all the union republics, even such measures were radical (besides the fact that the country was not technically ready to take such measures). Belarusians , who had a wealth of experience in interethnic communication and organically accepted Soviet internationalism, who studied in Russian for decades and communicated in it, were unable to accept such a sharp turn. One of the results of the development of this trend was a rather harsh reaction on the national issue after the victory in the 1996 referendum. the pro-Soviet part of society, led by President A.G. Lukashenko, many Belarusian-language schools were transferred back to the Russian language, some were closed, etc.

Yes, Belarusian society must develop, but this must be done, first of all, within the framework of its own cultural tradition. Borrowing ideals, values ​​and goals must be approached with caution. Our own traditions, ideals, values, goals and attitudes constitute the backbone of our people. They are not invented, but suffered by our people, the result of the natural adaptation of society to the surrounding natural and social worlds.

The introduction of alien attitudes will never be able to make this or that people similar to the Western ones, but it can destroy the foundations of an original civilization. In this case, we can say with all certainty that not only the culture of the people will disappear, but also the people themselves.

Thus, conservatism as a socio-political phenomenon and ideology has undoubted positive features and positive social meaning, therefore it can and should be present within reasonable limits in the political life of every country. Without a conservative principle, it is impossible to ensure the stability of society and its evolutionary development. As noted in the report of the President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko “On the state of ideological work and measures to improve it”, certain elements of the ideology of conservatism “are inherent in Belarusians by nature in such traditional features as “kindness”, “pamyarkonism”, “ “tolerant”, “to be disrespectful”. It's already in the blood. Our generation doesn’t know this, it doesn’t remember it, but previous generations apparently lived under the dominance of this conservative approach in ideology. And many concepts today do not lose their relevance. We must be good conservatives in a good way words. We in no way reject many ideas of the ideology of conservatism.”

Conclusion

Despite the fact that liberalism and conservatism are two unequal approaches to considering and solving socio-political problems, they still coexist quite peacefully with each other in all Western societies. Modern parliamentary democracies alternately choose one or another approach when solving pressing problems of social development. It follows from this that one cannot assume in advance that one of these political traditions, for example the conservative one, is “worse” and the other, the liberal one, is “better”. It is not difficult to see that in our country today, when discussing various social problems, different, essentially “liberal” and “conservative” approaches to solving them are proposed. From our point of view, current political life lacks conservatism, i.e. careful attitude to the heritage of the past, the preservation of all the best in social relations that was achieved both in the pre-October period of our history and in Soviet time. The truth, apparently, lies in a reasonable combination of these two political approaches.

Thus, it can be argued that there is no insurmountable line between conservative and liberal political positions. In every society, among various categories of citizens, a tendency towards one or another type of political consciousness is found. This is determined by the social, group, professional, age and individual characteristics of people. As analysts note, all over the world people associated with the army and public order are more conservative, and representatives of the artistic intelligentsia are more sensitive to the topic of personal freedom. The older generation tends to be more conservative, while the younger generation is more liberal.

Moreover, one person can and should combine both conservative and liberal approaches to various socio-political phenomena. For how else can continuity be ensured in the implementation of socio-political innovations, if not by caring for the heritage of the past? So in politics one could be not only a “pure” liberal or conservative, but also a liberal conservative, and vice versa. Actually, it is precisely as liberal-conservative that one can characterize the socio-political views of such prominent thinkers as the already mentioned French historian and political figure Alexis de Tocqueville, the English philosopher and sociologist Karl Popper and the Austro-American economist and philosopher Friedrich von Hayek. The same position is typical today for many other scientists and political figures in Western countries. Both principles - conservative and liberal - are also manifested in the political behavior of the majority of citizens of these countries, who invariably support moderately conservative or reformist programs and refuse to trust radical socio-political projects.

Bibliography

1. Internet search engines: Google yandex.

2. Greben V.A. “Fundamentals of the ideology of the Belarusian state.” 3rd edition; Minsk, publishing house MIU 2010.

3. Lukashenko A.G. On the state of ideological work and measures to improve it. Report of the President of the Republic of Belarus at a permanent seminar of senior officials of republican and local government agencies March 27, 2003//On the state of ideological work and measures to improve it: Materials of a permanent seminar of republican and local government bodies. -Mn., 2003.

4. Babosov E.M. Fundamentals of the ideology of a modern state. - Mn., 2004.

5. Fundamentals of the ideology of the Belarusian state: History and theory. A textbook for students of institutions providing higher education; 2nd ed. / S.N. Knyazev et al. - Mn., 2006.

6. Yaskevich Ya.S. Fundamentals of the ideology of the Belarusian state. - Mn., 2004.

Posted on Allbest.ru

Similar documents

Ideology and its role in life modern society. Cultural-historical origins and foundations of the ideology of the Belarusian state. Character traits constitutional system of the Republic of Belarus and its foundations. Traditional ideals and values ​​of the people.

course of lectures, added 11/17/2015


Consideration of the content (the idea of ​​the triumph of the working man), structure (theoretical-methodological, procedural, institutional, instrumental), periods of formation of the ideology of the Belarusian state and its development at the present stage.

abstract, added 03/10/2010


The President is the head of state of the Republic of Belarus, the formation of ideology. Parliament is a national assembly in the context of the ideology of the Belarusian state. Government - Council of Ministers, local government and self-government in ideological processes.

abstract, added 11/09/2008


Subject, theory and methodology of studying the ideology of the Belarusian state, modern concepts and doctrines. Dynamics of ideological processes. State institutions and their purpose. Information and ideological support for the foreign policy of Belarus.

tutorial, added 02/25/2012


The concept of ideology. Origin, development. System of ideas, views. Ideology as a factor in social and state construction. The totality of the main elements of the state ideology of the Republic of Belarus, the values ​​and priorities of the Belarusian people.

test, added 11/25/2008


Stages of the formation of parliamentarism in the Republic of Belarus. Chamber of Territorial Representation. Improving the forms and methods of implementing ideological policy by the Parliament and the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. Factors in the formation of ideology.

course work, added 03/22/2016


The emergence of the ideology of the Belarusian state. State entities in the East Slavic lands. Development of agriculture, livestock farming, crafts and cities. Kievan Rus is an early feudal monarchical state. The idea of ​​all-Russian unity.

abstract, added 11/13/2008


Implementation of state ideology. Legal status, constitutional responsibilities, the structure of Parliament as a body of popular representation, its role in government, through popular representation in the legislative branch of government.

abstract, added 03/17/2017


By area social life ideology is classified into humanitarian, economic, social. Political ideology as a form of social consciousness. Government, financial and economic power as the most important objects of ideology.

Conservatism is an ideological and political doctrine and movement focused on preserving and maintaining historically established forms of state and social life, especially its value principles embodied in the family, national characteristics, religion, and property. Conservatism began at the end XVIII-early XIX century not as the ideology of new classes, but as a reaction to the new conditions of classes leaving the historical scene.

The system of views of the founders of conservatism was based on the priority of continuity over innovation, on the recognition of the inviolability of historically established forms of state and public life, embodied in the nation, religion, morality, family, and property. These principles rejected the liberal spirit of individual freedom, which, according to conservatives, destroyed the integrity of the human community.

The most meaningful and important definitions of conservatism were proposed by American political scientists D. Allen and S. Huntington. Thus, D. Allen defines conservatism as a certain system of ideas and values ​​that certain sections of society strive to preserve as opposed to innovation. However, it turned out that, since different eras the set of conservative principles changed, there were only two such principles: rejection of revolution and rejection of any abstract and utopian theories suggesting a radical reorganization of society. These two ideas are common to conservatives of all times: from conservative critics of the Great French Revolution to modern “rightists.” Unlike Allen, S. Huntington proposed to understand conservatism more broadly - not as a set of ideas, but as a desire that arises every time in a situation of change to preserve and strengthen some of the most important institutions and principles of social life (they may be different in different eras).

Conservative political ideology is based on such socio-psychological attitudes as the priority of protective consciousness, the preference of the old to the new in social development, as well as the ideas of public order and socio-political stability, respect for national, historical, cultural and religious traditions.

The main task of conservatism is to protect specific classes, social strata and states from social and political radicalism arising from the cult of reason and freedom.

The main ideas of classical conservatism boil down to the following:

Society is a system of norms, customs, traditions, institutions rooted in history. If any social phenomenon persists for centuries, despite any social transformations (including revolutionary ones), it has universal value. Recency is an indicator of this value;

The existing institution is preferable to any theoretical scheme;

Society is a connection between people in space and time, from which no generation is free. Therefore, all innovation is imaginary;

Pessimism in assessing human nature, skepticism regarding the human mind. There is no point in believing that an individual, group, class, nation, generation or society at a certain stage of development is wiser than the entire human race. Such wisdom is contained in the heritage of the past;

Disbelief in the possibility of social equality between people; - private property is the guarantor of personal freedom and social order;

The limited capabilities of the human mind, which predetermines the impossibility of creating a new social system according to a pre-developed plan “from scratch”, without relying on historical traditions and institutions;

Any hasty and radical (revolutionary or forced reform) change in the social order is unreasonable and unnatural;

The inviolability of the established social order, the inviolability of the privileges of the upper strata of society, the inevitability of the presence of a social hierarchy in society, its division into higher and lower (i.e., the class system);

The inviolability of the institutions that underlie the “healthy and natural” social order - family, religion and private property;

Allowing only gradual, evolutionary and non-violent changes in the way of social life and political structure.

The main political ideas of conservatism:

The purpose of politics is to protect the status quo from any attempts by revolutionaries;

The goal of the policy is to develop a reformist type social change;

The purpose of politics is to search in the past for ideals that are derived from order and continuity as the main value, and their propaganda;

The idea of ​​protecting family, religion and national greatness;

Disregard for parliamentarism and elected institutions of government.

After the Second World War, some provisions of conservatism were transformed and neoconservatism emerged.

The ideology of neoconservatism combines old values ​​- family, religion, morality - with the values ​​of post-industrial society - creative work, unique personality, education. The attitude towards state regulation of the economy and the participation of the population in governance has softened; it is proposed to supplement the electoral choice with the nomination of the most worthy (respected) citizens.

Neoconservatives attach great importance to involving personnel in the management of enterprises as a means of overcoming the alienation of labor and, consequently, stabilizing social life.-

In general, neoconservatism very successfully adapted traditional conservative values ​​to the realities of the late industrial (post-industrial) stage of social development.

For neoconservatives, the state should be based on moral principles and preserving the integrity of society, provide the living conditions necessary for the individual on the basis of law and order, providing the opportunity to form political associations, developing the institutions of civil society, maintaining a balanced relationship between society and nature, etc.

The main political ideas of neoconservatism are:

Only market relations lead to real development of society and people;

Freedom and equality are incompatible; preference for freedom over equality;

Classical democracy is unfeasible or harmful; a combination of democracy and elite power is necessary;

The main right of an individual is the right to own property and freely dispose of it.

Despite innovations in content, neoconservative ideology has maintained a strong commitment to the following principles:

1) Respect for a strong state as a guarantor of public order and the integrity of society, ensuring the operation of laws and the preservation of moral principles;

2) Respect for the inviolable and unshakable public values- family, religion, private property;

3) While formally recognizing legal equality, he clearly opposes the economic and social equality of people;"

4) Recognition of the state's duty to protect public order and maintain moral principles, but prevent its interference in the market economy and impede free competition;

5) The requirement for mutual trust and mutual assistance between citizens and the state, without which it is impossible to maintain social order.

Among the main varieties and directions of modern political conservatism, researchers usually distinguish:

1. National conservatism - within the framework of this ideology, the interests of the nation, people and national statehood, the preservation of the national spirit, are placed above all else. national culture and unity. The adherents of “national conservatism” can include a fairly wide range of political forces - from moderate nationalists and “enlightened patriots” to racists and even neo-fascists, as well as “intermediate” political trends.

2. Liberal conservatism is a direction of political and economic thought, whose adherents are:

a) against economic equality and the state’s desire for social “equalization”, as well as against the premature (before mastering the norms of civil political culture) extension of political rights to broad sections of society, since they can be obtained by socially irresponsible groups and subjects who are not ready for democracy ;

6) for the inviolability of private property, spontaneous “self-regulating” market and free competition;

c) against leftist, communist and social democratic ideology, because they believe that its spread and any attempts to implement the “socialist model” pose a threat to the basic values ​​of Western society and civilization;

d) for creating conditions and guarantees under which democracy and the power of the majority should be limited by law, and the majority of society would not have the right and opportunity to encroach on private property, the rights and freedoms of individuals.

3. Technocratic conservatism is an ideological movement focused on protecting modern industrial society, modern achievements of science and technology, associated living standards and the rights of the technocratic elite from attacks by left-wing radicals, environmentalists (“greens”, “Greenpeace”) and other movements hostile to it :

4. Religious conservatism is an ideology that advocates the preservation of traditional Christian, Muslim and other religious norms and values ​​in the cultural, economic and political life of society

Under the influence of neoconservatism, a dynamic model of social development has emerged, which is based on self-regulation and is very resistant to social cataclysms. It meets the needs of the transition of Western countries from an industrial society to a post-industrial society.

The social basis of neoconservatism is the “new middle class", interested in introducing the achievements of the scientific and technological revolution into the economy, and groups of so-called "young capital" formed in modern sectors of the economy - electronics, aerospace, aviation, etc.

Neoconservatism reflected such deep social processes as the need of the economy to weaken state regulation and encourage entrepreneurial initiative, to expand the scope of competitive market principles. As an ideology and, especially, as a politician, he synthesized the principles of liberalism (market, competition, free enterprise, etc.) with the traditional values ​​of conservatism (family, culture, morality, order, etc.).

Despite its obvious progressiveness, neoconservatism was unable to develop adequate approaches to solving a number of key problems of the transition from industrialism to post-industrialism - deepening social differentiation in Western countries, potentially fraught with social conflicts; the widening gap in living conditions between North and South, which hinders the development of the international division of labor and the expansion of markets for knowledge-intensive products.

In the foreseeable future, neoconservatism will remain an influential ideological and political movement in Western countries, perhaps in combination with liberal socialist values ​​(human rights and freedoms, democracy, social protection, etc.).

The main thing is that neoconservatism, having coordinated a rational attitude to reality with moral principles, gave people a clear formula for the relationship between a socially responsible individual and a politically stable state.

Neoconservatism has exposed those features of conservative ideology and way of thinking that today have proven capable of protecting people at a new technological stage of the industrial system, determining the priorities of individual and social life programs, and outlining the shape of a policy capable of leading society out of the crisis.

Moreover, on such an ideological basis, neoconservatism synthesized many humanistic ideas not only of liberalism, but also of socialism, as well as a number of other teachings. And although only a few major political parties in Western countries adhere to neoconservative ideology (Republican in the USA, liberal-conservative in Japan, conservative in England), the circle of adherents of this ideological orientation is increasingly expanding throughout the world.

Social democratic ideology

The ideas of socialism have been known in the world since ancient times, but they received theoretical justification and ideological design only in the 19th century. In general, socialism underestimates, or even completely denies, the importance of individual economic freedom, competition and unequal remuneration for work as prerequisites for the growth of the material well-being of individuals and society. Non-labor redistribution of income, political regulation of economic and social processes, and the conscious establishment by the state of norms and principles of social equality (inequality) and justice are considered as replacing them. In other words, the main prerogatives in the socialist doctrine belong to the state, not the individual, conscious regulation, not evolutionary social processes, politics, not economics.

Socialist ideology today remains one of the most popular in the world, despite the fact that, due to differences in fundamental tactical provisions, it has existed since the beginning of the 20th century in two varieties: Marxism and social democracy.

Marxism pays special attention to revolutionary methods of transition to socialism, the justification of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the development of strategy and tactics of revolutionary struggle. This is typical for all varieties of this ideology (Leninism, Maoism, Stalinism). None of these directions managed to go beyond forceful methods of achieving the goal. Attempts to practically implement this way of building socialism failed. Evidence is the collapse of the world socialist system.

Social democratic ideology proceeds from the priority of gradual evolutionary changes from capitalism to socialism through reforms while maintaining social peace. Socialism in their understanding is not a social system, but a continuous process of introducing social justice into the life of society. Therefore, Social Democrats do not perceive their defeat in parliamentary elections (for example, in Sweden in 1991) as a tragedy. According to their concept, socialism already really exists in the form of individual achievements, elements and institutions.

By the beginning of the 90s of the twentieth century. There were more than 80 social democratic parties in the world, about 30 of them were ruling (often in coalition with other parties), almost everywhere they were represented in the parliaments of their countries, 70 of the largest and most influential parties were united in the Socialist International.

Today, Social Democrats are closely studying the lessons of defeat in the practical implementation of their ideology. They believe that in the course of further development of the theory of socialism, a balance should be found between the collectivist and individual principles of social life. In general, the leaders of modern international social democracy are confident that socialism will become a significant force in the 21st century if it can overcome its ideology and policies, which have led socialism in a number of countries to a dead end. As various social systems democratize, radical, confrontational ideologies lose their adherents. In countries with a high level of class polarization of the population, the dispute between different ideologies is the basis for the evolution of political regimes.

The basic values ​​of social democracy are freedom, justice, and solidarity. They are not feasible without the mechanism of democracy - political, economic, social, international. Political democracy is carried out within the framework of free elections and means “the possibility of changing the government peacefully based on the legitimate expression of the will of the people,” with “guarantees of respect for individual and minority rights.” Economic democracy is based on the idea of ​​equality of different forms of ownership and the need for a mixed economy. Social democracy focuses on the creation of working and living conditions worthy of people, fair redistribution of income in favor of the disabled, and social assistance to people in need. International democracy ensures overcoming inequality on an international scale, eliminating totalitarian regimes and imbalances in the balance of military-political forces and weapons, strengthening global and collective security.

Social democratic ideology abandoned the fundamental provisions of Marxism - the class struggle, revolution, dictatorship of the proletariat, etc. It proceeded from the possibility of the evolution of capitalism into a socially just society, maintaining peace between classes and states. The gradual reform of bourgeois society was associated with the resolution of contradictions between the bourgeoisie and the working class on the basis of compromises, strengthening the social protection of workers, encouraging workers' self-government and cooperation, and the use of parliamentary democracy.

The basic principles of social democracy are:

1) attitude towards social justice as a social ideal,

which cannot be achieved, but which should be strived for;

2) awareness of democracy as an imperfect, but the most promising form of social structure, ensuring the coordination of the interests of various social groups;

3) recognition of self-worth human personality and the need to protect her rights and freedoms from state institutions;

4) the desire to combine social justice with an effective market economy.

Characteristic features of social democracy:

Materialistic interpretation of social life;

An approach to the analysis of social phenomena from the standpoint of the interests of the working masses, the entire people;

Humanistic nature of current and ultimate goals, social collectivism;

Historical optimism.

Basic political ideas.

Rejection of any dictatorship as a form of political power;

Commitment to the principle of democratic parliamentarism;

Focus on political pluralism and consensus in solving critical problems;

Priority of peaceful, democratic means of achieving goals;

State regulation of the economy and development of market mechanisms;

Orientation towards the peaceful coexistence of different states and their sufficient security.

Other political ideologies of our time.

In addition to the above, the influential political ideologies of our time also include ethno-political, environmental-political, religious-political and various extremist ones.

Ethnopolitical ideologies have become noticeably widespread in last decade not only among developing countries, but also in developed countries (Great Britain, Spain, Belgium). Ethnopolitical ideologies and movements acquired a particularly large scale in countries such as the USSR, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and post-Soviet republics, which contributed to the destruction of these states. The essence of the ideology and movement is the desire of peoples, especially small ones, to achieve their own statehood and thereby create favorable conditions for preserving their identity, that is, language, culture, traditions. Ethnopolitical ideologies and trends are opposed by the process of world integration and internationalization.

Ecological and political ideology arose in post-war decades and received great development in the 70s and 80s. The reason was the difficult environmental situation in developed countries, and therefore the main objective The goal that these ideological movements set for themselves was to protect the human environment, improve the environment through influencing their governments and legislative bodies to adopt appropriate legislation and government decisions. Currently, these movements have their representatives in the parliaments and governments of many countries.

Religious and political ideologies, unlike those listed above, arose a very long time ago. This type of ideology is based on religious dogmas. Their main goal is not only to influence the authorities, but also to establish their power where possible. In some countries, in particular the Middle East and Asia, religious movements have established themselves in power (Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia). The influence of religious ideologies has increased in a number of former Soviet republics, in Tajikistan, the North Caucasus, and Chechnya.

Extremist ideologies - neo-fascism, extremist terrorism. Their goal is to destabilize political power, seize it and achieve various goals.

Conservatism arose at the end of the 18th century as a reaction to the French Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Conservative ideology was a response to the challenge of liberalism and radicalism. Since conservatism arises precisely as a contrast to liberal views on human nature, freedom, equality and fraternity, it is not considered an independent, “pure” ideology. This birth of conservatism did not prevent it from turning into a fairly coherent system of views, which has undergone significant evolution, adapting to the modern world.

The intellectual conservative tradition was developed by the Englishman E. Burke (1729-1797) and the French J. de Maistre (1754-1821). L. de Bonald (1754-1840). They became the founders of the traditional conservative movement, which was distinguished by its rejection of the nihilistic nature of the French Revolution of the 18th century, bourgeois democracy and individual freedom. The “founding fathers” of the political ideology of conservatism expressed the interests of the aristocracy, those layers that capitalism deprived of a stable social status and class privileges.

To the optimistic view of liberals on the nature of man, whose mind and will are able to transform society on the basis of freedom, conservatives opposed the idea of ​​the inherent imperfection of human nature, due to which wonderful projects radical reconstruction of society are doomed to failure, since they violate the established order for centuries. Conservatives believed that the true “nature” of man is completely alien to the concept of “freedom.” Only concrete historical freedoms, obtained by ancestors, verified by traditions and accepted as historical heritage, have meaning.

The most important principle of conservative ideology is moral absolutism, recognition of the existence of unshakable moral ideals and values. These moral ideals and personal values ​​must be formed by all means of social and government influence and curb the “sinful” nature of man. Politics in this sense also cannot be free from morality.

Another important principle of conservatism is traditionalism. Traditional principles are, according to theorists of conservatism, the foundation of any healthy society. Social reforms must be based on the spiritual traditions and values ​​created by all previous generations. E. Burke believed that in any society there is solidarity between generations. Every political figure who makes decisions must do so responsibly not only to his contemporaries, but also to his ancestors and descendants.

The traditionalism of conservative ideology is closely connected with political realism. The reforms that are carried out in society should not be designed for an abstract person, but for real people of flesh and blood, whose lifestyle and established habits cannot be suddenly changed without great misfortunes.

Conservatism, especially modern conservatism, has a positive attitude towards the idea of ​​equality of people before God. Equality exists in the field of morality and virtue, perhaps even political equality. But all forms of conservative ideology do not accept social equality, are anti-egalitarian. No society is conceivable without hierarchy and, therefore, inequality. This is precisely the basis of the order corresponding to “nature”. Egalitarianism destroys the social hierarchy on which social stability is based. At the same time, anti-egalitarianism does not mean that conservatives advocate a rigid pyramidal structure of society. Social mobility vertically and horizontally is important for social development. Back at the end of the 18th century, E. Burke formulated meritocracy principle, according to which power should be in the hands of worthy people, people from various social groups. Having accepted political democracy over time, conservatives became supporters of elitist democracy, when the democratic mechanism makes it possible to form a professional political elite and promote worthy people to power. Worthy - worthy - this is the principle of conservatives in relation to the social status of an individual.

Conservative ideology has a negative attitude towards the tendency to politicize people, which became especially clear in the 20th century. Private interests are more important to a person than politics. Politics is the sphere of activity of political elites. The participation of the masses in political life must be limited and controlled.

Conservatism is characteristic focus on local, regional, national values. Society is not scattered into separate grains of sand of individuals, but is focused on the general, the whole, on “we”. It is concentrated primarily at the local level: in the family, community, parish, craft corporation, local government institutions. The social “we” at the local level is a natural source of stability, education, preservation of traditions, and the formation of patriotism.

Conservatism in the 19th century gradually turns into a modification of ideology that accepts some of the values ​​of liberalism, primarily political. The bourgeoisie, having survived revolutions and won political power, also sought support in new socio-political ideas. Particular attention in conservatism was drawn to the desire for the unity of society, to means of strengthening the authority of power, to hierarchy, and to emphasizing the connecting role of spiritual values.

In the 20th century, conservative theories developed under the significant influence of classical liberalism. In the United States, so-called market conservatism arose, which viewed trends towards state regulation of the economy as a dangerous break with the liberal traditions of Western civilization, as a “road to slavery” and totalitarianism.

Until the 70s of the 20th century, conservatism occupied a peripheral position and was on the defensive in relation to liberal reformism and social democratic theories. The rise of conservatism began in the second half of the 70s and especially from the beginning of the 80s, when political forces that adopted the ideology of conservatism came to power in many Western countries.

The objective basis for the appearance neoconservatism there was a structural crisis in the capitalist economy. Previous means used to overcome crisis situations and justified by the ideology of liberal reformism turned out to be insufficient. More radical means were required. The belief that scientific and technological progress, by virtue of its rational mechanism, will solve social problems has collapsed. It turned out that in order to stabilize society, strong moral reinforcement and additional means of legitimation were needed. Neoconservatism was a response to the “challenge” of the crisis state of scientific and technological civilization and the weakening of its spiritual and moral foundations. It has proven to be more effective than other ideologies. Neoconservative ideology more strongly stimulated individual achievements, and neoconservative policies found fairly effective means of solving economic and social problems.

In ideological terms, neoconservatism advocates the priority of the principle of freedom over the principle of equality. Equality is possible only as equality of opportunity, but not as equality of conditions and results. Social order is realized, first of all, through the social hierarchy, which arises organically, naturally. While defending the idea of ​​freedom and human rights, neoconservatism focuses on a person’s responsibilities to himself and to society. Human rights only in combination with awareness of responsibilities and a developed sense of duty ennoble the individual.

In the economic field, neoconservatism advocates limiting government intervention in the market economy. The state is obliged to promote private initiative, and not stifle it. This assistance is possible through the provision of tax incentives, stimulation of private investment and market supply. Being opponents of patronage regulation of the economy, neoconservatives rely on the personal factor: personal initiative, personal interest, personal opportunities and personal responsibility - these are the most important and unshakable values ​​of an effectively functioning economy.

The social policy of the neoconservatives is closely related to the economic policy. Three basic principles constitute the essence of neoconservative social doctrine: the principle of solidarity, based on the idea of ​​the unity of labor and capital, the principle of justice, i.e. “fair distribution of income and property”, “fair wages”, “fair tax policy” and others, the principle of subsidiarity - assistance to promote self-help and private initiative. In accordance with these principles, individuals and small communities should solve their own socio-economic problems themselves, and entrust to the state only those issues that cannot be solved in a similar way. The essence of the socio-economic policy of the neoconservatives is to create conditions that allow workers to save, acquire property, gain financial independence and independence from state “social care”.

Neoconservatives believe that social benefits should be provided free of charge to those who need them and are not able to provide for themselves. All other citizens must pay for all the services they need and use, but receive them in the form and quality that they desire and that their material wealth allows.

A social market economy is the formula of the neoconservatives. The social market economy, from the point of view of modern conservatives, is not only the most successful economic form, strengthening and expanding the class of owners. It is also best suited to people: it gives citizens tasks, but does not control them.

In the political sphere, neoconservatives are faithful to the old conservative tradition - democracy must be vertical, elitist. Political activity- not a privilege and not a monopoly of one social group, but a profession available to everyone, but only if he has the appropriate abilities, vocation and special education. Everyone can and even should be interested in politics, since it concerns everyone, and everyone can participate in the political life of the country in one way or another, but only professionals should be politicians and work in politics in order to rid political decisions of amateurism, and politics itself from ochlocratic tendencies.

Neoconservatism absorbed the principles of classical liberalism, primarily the principle of individual freedom, but managed to link them with such traditional values ​​as religion, family, law and order, decentralization and self-government, and ethnocultural diversity.

Conservatism is the ideology and policy of preserving existing forms of social life. The emergence of conservatism as a reaction to the radicalism of the French Revolution.

Conservatism (from the French conservatisme, from the Latin conservo - I protect, preserve) is a set of socio-philosophical ideas, as well as economic, political, and other values ​​and ideals, which, revealing the nature of society, the state and the place of the individual in them, focused on preserving established traditions and a cautious attitude towards radical changes.

In contrast to liberal views on human nature, which defend the ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity, conservatives believe that human nature is inherently imperfect, that a radical reorganization of society is always doomed to failure, since it violates the natural order established for centuries, corresponding to the nature of man, to whom perfect The concept of freedom is alien.

The father and founder of classical conservatism is the English politician, philosopher and publicist Edmund Berne (1729-1797). In 1790, his book-pamphlet “Reflections on the Revolution in France” was published, where he was the first to criticize the French Revolution and for the first time formulated the basic principles of the ideology of conservatism. These ideas of Burke gave rise to numerous followers.

Great contribution to the development of the ideology of conservatism in the 19th century. contributed: in England - the poet S. Coleridge and the religious thinker D. Newman, politicians B. Disraeli and R. Salisbury; in France - thinkers J. de Maistre and L. de Bonald; in Germany - G. Meser and A. Muller.

The following main ones stand out: principles and provisions of the ideology of conservatism.

• 1. The principle of the established order of things as the “law of prescription” (E. Burke). According to this principle, society is a product of natural historical development, and its institutions are not artificial inventions, since they embody the wisdom of their ancestors.
• 2. The basis of civil society is religion, since man is a religious being.
• 3. The basis of human behavior is experience, habits, prejudices, and not abstract theories, since man is an instinctive, feeling and rational being.
• 4. Society (community of people) is a form of protection of a person from himself and therefore it should be valued above the individual, and human rights are a consequence of his duties.
• 5. The principle of anti-egalitarianism, according to which people are not equal by nature and therefore differences, hierarchy and the right of those more worthy to rule over others are inevitable in society. The ideology of conservatism recognizes the equality of people only in the sphere of morality and ethics, relations “before God and divine justice.” Conservatism is consistent anti-egalitarianism. This is justified by the fact that social hierarchy, i.e. inequality of people is a necessary basis for order and social stability. People are not equal in their abilities, and the attitude of hierarchy is directed toward the “power of the inferior.”
• 6. The principle of stability and immutability of the social system, according to which the existing social system must be protected, because attempts to radically change it, improve it, for example, eliminate existing evil, lead to even greater evil. (According to this principle, there is a presumption "in favor of any established system of government, against any unused project."
• 7. The principle of moral absolutism, according to which there are eternal and unshakable moral ideals and values, since human nature is unchangeable. Due to the fact that the sphere of human reason is limited, the universal moral order, sanctioned and supported by religion, tradition, ritual and even everyday prejudices. Calls for “restoration.” eternal values“and the education of society on their basis are necessary to curb the “sinful nature” of man.
• 8. According to the principle of “meritocracy”, formulated by E. Burke, power should belong to the “natural aristocracy”, i.e. the most gifted, worthy people, people from various social groups.
• 9. The principle of regionalism, according to which it is necessary to focus on local, regional, national values ​​and traditions. Hence the importance of the ideas of local self-government. At the local level, in the family, community, parish, local government institutions, personality and a sense of patriotism are formed, traditions are preserved, and a natural source of social stability is created.

The fundamental practical idea of ​​conservative ideology is traditionalism - an orientation toward the preservation and protection of old patterns, ways of life, and values ​​that are recognized as universal. Centuries-old traditions, accumulating the experience and wisdom of ancestors, “healthy prejudices” should form the foundation of any healthy society, connection and “solidarity of generations.” Politics should be based on established traditions according to the principle: “Everything old is clear and pleasant. Everything new is unclear and dark.” However, conservative traditionalism does not exclude social change. E. Burke wrote: “If the state is deprived of the possibility of change, then it does not have the opportunity to take care of its own condition.” Changes are necessary, but any changes must be introduced gradually, deliberately, selectively, with a constant glance at the past, and “what can not be changed does not need to be changed.”

Conservatism as a socio-political phenomenon and ideology has undoubted positive features and positive social significance, therefore it can and should be present within reasonable limits in the political life of every country. Without a conservative principle, it is impossible to ensure the stability of society and its evolutionary development. Conservatism defends and affirms many of the values ​​that are necessary for society and any decent person. What is very attractive in conservatism is its sacred respect for historically established traditions, customs, moral norms and ideals, as well as a cautious, balanced attitude towards all innovations and arbitrary transformations. Natural, healthy and moderate conservatism is persistently present in the character of the Belarusian people, our national mentality. As noted in the report of the President of the Republic of Belarus A. Lukashenko “On the state of ideological work and measures to improve it”, certain elements of the ideology of conservatism “are inherent in Belarusians by nature in such traditional features as “good-naturedness”, “pamyarkunity”, “tolerantness” “It’s already part of our blood. Our generation doesn’t know it, it doesn’t remember it, but previous generations lived, apparently, under the dominance of this conservative approach in ideology. And many concepts today do not lose their relevance. to be good conservatives in the good sense of the word. We in no way reject many of the ideas of the ideology of conservatism."