What is Conservatism?
Values continuity, institutions, family, order and markets; prefers gradual change over sweeping reform.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by traditional tradition (76%), democracy rule (70%), national nation (70%) and private ownership (70%), and stays fairly neutral on power, trade and technology. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Centrist Right area.
What Conservatism stands for
Long-standing norms, family structures and morals hold society together.
Leaders should be chosen, criticized and replaced by the people, regularly and freely.
Your own country's interests and sovereignty come first in every decision.
Private property and private enterprise are the engine of prosperity.
Centrist Right
Economic +4 · Social -1 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: trade — Conservatism is more open trade (56% vs 24%).
Biggest difference: nation — Conservatism is more national (70% vs 38%).
Biggest difference: trade — Conservatism is more open trade (56% vs 20%).
Nearest historical thinkers: Edmund Burke (92%), John Locke (84%) and Alexander Hamilton (82%).
Conservatism, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Conservatism left or right?
On the classic political compass Conservatism sits at economic +4 and social -1 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Centrist Right area. Economically it leans toward markets and private ownership.
What does Conservatism believe?
Values continuity, institutions, family, order and markets; prefers gradual change over sweeping reform. Its most defining positions are traditional on tradition, democracy on rule, national on nation and private on ownership.
What ideologies are similar to Conservatism?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are National Conservatism (86% similar), Christian Democracy (85% similar) and Right-Wing Populism (85% similar).
Am I a Conservatism supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Conservatism and 30 other ideologies.