New Right vs. Old Right

Attribute	New Right	Old Right
Economic Policy	Free market capitalism	Protectionism and mercantilism
Social Policy	Emphasis on individual freedom and personal responsibility	Traditional values and social hierarchy
Role of Government	Minimal government intervention in economy and society	Strong government control and regulation
Foreign Policy	Non-interventionist and nationalist	Expansionist and imperialist

Origins

The Old Right, also known as the traditional conservative movement, emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a response to the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was characterized by a focus on limited government intervention in the economy, a strong emphasis on individual liberty, and a commitment to traditional values and social hierarchies. In contrast, the New Right emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the perceived failures of the Old Right to effectively combat the rise of liberalism and progressivism. The New Right is often associated with a more aggressive and confrontational approach to politics, as well as a focus on issues such as immigration, nationalism, and cultural conservatism.

Economic Policies

One of the key differences between the New Right and the Old Right lies in their economic policies. The Old Right generally favored free-market capitalism and limited government intervention in the economy. They believed in the importance of individual initiative and entrepreneurship, and were skeptical of government regulation and welfare programs. In contrast, the New Right tends to be more open to government intervention in the economy, particularly when it comes to protecting domestic industries and jobs. They are also more likely to support protectionist trade policies and restrictions on immigration in order to protect American workers.

Social Issues

Another area of divergence between the New Right and the Old Right is their approach to social issues. The Old Right tended to be more focused on traditional values and social hierarchies, and often opposed social changes such as civil rights and gender equality. They were also more likely to support policies that restricted individual freedoms in the name of preserving social order. In contrast, the New Right tends to be more focused on issues such as immigration, nationalism, and cultural conservatism. They are often more vocal in their opposition to multiculturalism and political correctness, and are more likely to support policies that restrict immigration and promote a more homogeneous society.

Foreign Policy

When it comes to foreign policy, the Old Right and the New Right also have differing perspectives. The Old Right tended to be more isolationist in their approach, favoring a policy of non-intervention and limited engagement with the rest of the world. They were skeptical of international alliances and organizations, and believed in the importance of maintaining American sovereignty and independence. In contrast, the New Right tends to be more interventionist in their approach, favoring a more assertive and aggressive foreign policy. They are more likely to support military intervention in conflicts abroad, and are more willing to use American power to promote democracy and human rights around the world.

Popularity and Influence

Finally, the New Right and the Old Right differ in terms of their popularity and influence within the conservative movement. The Old Right has a long history and has been a dominant force within the conservative movement for much of the 20th century. However, in recent years, the New Right has gained prominence and has become a powerful voice within the conservative movement. The New Right has been able to attract a younger and more diverse base of supporters, and has been successful in shaping the political agenda on issues such as immigration, trade, and cultural conservatism. While the Old Right still retains a significant influence within the conservative movement, the rise of the New Right has led to a shift in the priorities and focus of the movement as a whole.