In recent years, national conservatism has emerged as a significant political force across multiple continents, reshaping domestic and international politics. This movement, characterized by a strong emphasis on national sovereignty, traditional values, and protectionist policies, has gained traction in both established and emerging democracies.
Core Principles and Their Implementation
National conservatism operates on ten fundamental principles that distinguish it from other political ideologies:
1. Exclusionary Sovereignty and Identity
National sovereignty and traditional identity are prioritized, often incorporating religious elements and promoting cultural cohesion, but frequently at the expense of minority inclusion.
2. Economic Nationalism
Protectionist economic policies are advocated that favor domestic industries and politically connected businesses, often creating systems that critics argue undermine fair market competition.
3. Patriotism Over Global Cooperation
A strong rejection of global cooperation frameworks defines this approach, with international institutions and agreements frequently portrayed as threats to national sovereignty.
4. Prioritizing Economy Over Environment
Environmental concerns are typically subordinated to immediate economic interests, with climate change initiatives receiving less priority than industrial development.
5. Restrictive Social Welfare
Social welfare programs are often restructured with restricted access, particularly for immigrants and certain minority groups, justified as protecting national resources for citizens.
6. Nationalist Education
Education systems are reshaped to emphasize nationalist and traditionalist values, reducing emphasis on global perspectives and critical thinking.
7. Harsh Immigration Policies
Harsh immigration controls are standard, accompanied by rhetoric framing immigrants as potential threats to national security and cultural identity.
8. Enforcing Traditional Family Structures
Traditional family structures are strongly promoted, often through policies that critics argue marginalize LGBTQ+ communities and alternative family models.
9. Controlling Media and Shaping Narratives
Digital platforms are leveraged to influence public opinion, often with disinformation and targeting mainstream media as biased or oppositional to nationalist values.
10. Militarized National Security Focus
Security policies prioritize strong border enforcement and defense spending, frequently at the expense of diplomatic initiatives and international cooperation.
Global Manifestations
European Landscape
In Europe, national conservatism has found its most concentrated expression, with institutional representation in the European Parliament through the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. The ECR most closely aligns with national conservative principles, with member parties like Poland’s PiS, Italy’s Brothers of Italy, and Hungary’s Fidesz (formerly aligned with the EPP) exemplifying the movement’s focus on sovereignty, exclusionary policies, and traditional values. The ECR also demonstrates how national conservative parties operate transnationally. While some divergence exists on economic policies and media control, the ECR embodies the national conservative framework more comprehensively than any other European Parliamentary faction.
Hungary represents the most complete implementation of national conservative governance. Hungary’s Fidesz party, under Viktor Orbán, has fundamentally transformed the country’s political landscape since 2010, implementing comprehensive media controls and constitutional reforms that critics say have weakened democratic institutions. In Poland, the Law and Justice party has pursued judicial reforms that have sparked confrontations with the European Union over concerns about the rule of law.
Italy’s political scene has shifted with the Brothers of Italy party, led by Giorgia Meloni, bringing national conservative policies to a founding EU member. Their governance has particularly emphasized traditional family values and restrictive immigration policies. Meanwhile, France’s National Rally, though not in power, has significantly influenced national debates on immigration and sovereignty, pushing mainstream parties toward more conservative positions on these issues.
Americas’ Experience
In North America, the United States has experienced a distinctive version of national conservatism through Donald Trump’s influence. During his first presidency (2017–2021), Trump implemented “America First” policies, trade protectionism, and stringent immigration measures, including the controversial border wall project. After a historic comeback in 2024, winning both the popular and electoral vote, Trump became only the second president after Grover Cleveland to achieve non-consecutive terms. This return to power suggests enduring support for national conservative policies in American politics and continues to significantly influence the Republican Party’s direction.
Brazil’s experience under Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022) showcased a South American variant, combining economic liberalization with strong nationalist rhetoric and controversial environmental policies, particularly regarding the Amazon rainforest. His administration’s handling of the media and institutional relationships reflected many classic national conservative positions.
Asian Dynamics
Asia presents unique adaptations of national conservative principles. India’s BJP under Narendra Modi has melded Hindu nationalism with economic modernization, implementing controversial citizenship laws and economic reforms. In Turkey, Erdoğan’s AKP has created a distinctive blend of Islamic values with nationalist policies, significantly reshaping Turkey’s secular tradition while maintaining strong central authority.
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, though more moderate, has incorporated national conservative elements, particularly in its approach to immigration policy and conservative social values, while maintaining strong ties with Western allies.
Russia: A Distinct Model
Russia under Vladimir Putin’s United Russia Party represents a unique case in the national conservative landscape. While sharing many characteristics with other national conservative movements, Russia’s approach is distinguished by its particular blend of Soviet-era nostalgia, Orthodox Christian values, and assertive nationalism. Putin’s government has implemented extensive state control over media, strengthened ties between church and state, and promoted what it calls “traditional Russian values.”
The Russian model differs from other national conservative governments in several key ways. First, its institutional control is more comprehensive, with the state maintaining tight control over both economic and social spheres. Second, its foreign policy is explicitly revisionist, seeking to restore what it views as Russia’s historical sphere of influence. Third, its relationship with oligarchs represents a distinctive form of state-business integration that goes beyond typical national conservative corporate favoritism.
This Russian variation of national conservatism has influenced other movements, particularly in Eastern Europe, while simultaneously maintaining its unique characteristics rooted in Russian historical and cultural contexts. The Putin government’s ability to maintain power through various crises has made it a subject of study for other national conservative movements, even as many distance themselves from its more authoritarian aspects.
Looking Forward
The rise of national conservatism presents a complex challenge for democratic societies. While proponents argue it offers necessary corrections to excessive globalization, evidence from multiple countries reveals concerning patterns of institutional erosion where these parties gain power. This typically manifests through centralization of authority, weakening of judicial independence, and systematic control of media landscapes. Additionally, national conservative governments have established patronage networks that redistribute resources to political allies under the banner of national interest.
A distinctive feature of these movements is their sophisticated use of disinformation and influence operations. National conservative governments and parties have developed extensive propaganda networks leveraging both traditional and social media to shape public opinion, discredit opposition voices, and promote nationalist narratives. These information operations often extend beyond national borders, creating transnational networks of ideologically aligned media and influencers.
Corruption and nepotism have emerged as common characteristics across national conservative regimes. Leaders’ family members often receive privileged positions in government or business, while political loyalty frequently trumps merit in appointments and contracts. This systemic corruption is typically justified through appeals to national interest and traditional values, even as it undermines institutional integrity and economic efficiency.
The future of this movement will likely depend on its ability to balance popular appeal with mounting criticism over democratic backsliding and institutional integrity. As these movements continue to gain influence globally, democratic societies face the crucial task of preserving fundamental structures of accountability and the rule of law while addressing legitimate concerns about sovereignty and cultural identity.
For tables providing more detail on the above, click here.
PREVIOUS POST