Neoconservatism vs. Paternalistic Conservatism

Attribute	Neoconservatism	Paternalistic Conservatism
Belief in strong military	Yes	Yes
Support for interventionist foreign policy	Yes	No
Emphasis on traditional values	Yes	Yes
Focus on individual responsibility	No	Yes
Belief in limited government	No	No

Definition

Neoconservatism is a political ideology that emerged in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by a belief in the use of American power to spread democracy and free markets around the world. Neoconservatives advocate for a strong military, assertive foreign policy, and a focus on promoting American values globally.

Paternalistic conservatism, on the other hand, is a political philosophy that emphasizes the role of the state in promoting social order and stability. Paternalistic conservatives believe in a strong government that provides for the needs of its citizens and enforces traditional values and norms.

Role of Government

Neoconservatives believe in a limited role for government in domestic affairs, preferring free-market solutions to social and economic problems. They argue that government intervention in the economy stifles innovation and growth. However, they support a strong military and assertive foreign policy to promote American interests abroad.

Paternalistic conservatives, on the other hand, believe in a more active role for government in promoting social welfare and stability. They support government programs that provide for the needs of the less fortunate and enforce traditional values and norms. Paternalistic conservatives are more willing to use government power to achieve social goals.

Foreign Policy

Neoconservatives advocate for a proactive foreign policy that promotes democracy and free markets around the world. They believe in using American power to spread American values and interests globally. Neoconservatives support military intervention when necessary to protect American interests and promote democracy.

Paternalistic conservatives, on the other hand, are more cautious in their approach to foreign policy. They prioritize stability and order over promoting democracy and free markets. Paternalistic conservatives are less likely to support military intervention and prefer diplomacy and negotiation to resolve international conflicts.

Social Issues

Neoconservatives tend to focus on economic and foreign policy issues rather than social issues. They prioritize promoting free markets and democracy over social welfare programs. Neoconservatives are more likely to support traditional values and norms, but they do not prioritize social issues in their political agenda.

Paternalistic conservatives, on the other hand, place a strong emphasis on social issues and the role of government in promoting social welfare. They support government programs that provide for the needs of the less fortunate and enforce traditional values and norms. Paternalistic conservatives prioritize social issues in their political agenda.

Conclusion

While both neoconservatism and paternalistic conservatism are conservative ideologies, they differ in their approach to government, foreign policy, and social issues. Neoconservatism emphasizes a limited role for government in domestic affairs, a proactive foreign policy, and a focus on promoting democracy and free markets globally. Paternalistic conservatism, on the other hand, advocates for a more active role for government in promoting social welfare and stability, a cautious approach to foreign policy, and a strong emphasis on social issues. Understanding the differences between these two ideologies can help us better understand the diversity of conservative thought in the political landscape.