Conservatism has many varieties, and one of its trends in the United States is the so-called paleoconservatism, which is critical of the modern form of liberal democracy and seeks isolationism. Because of its commitment to older and non-mainstream models of social organization, some even propose to consider a mammoth as a symbol of paleoconservatism, whose image fits well with the characteristics of this ideological trend .
American paleoconservatives are critical of the current model of democracy and call for a return to moral principles based on religion. US paleoconservatives are characterized by American nationalism, Protestant Christian ethics, and isolationism in geopolitics.
Paleocons are particularly critical of the centralization of power, drawing attention to the constant growth of government functions in recent decades. Paleoconservatism fights against immigration, liberal values, and seeks to protect American producers with high tariffs and protectionism. In relation to liberal narratives about gender, race, etc., paleocons propose a return to the values of traditional conservatism of the last century.
It is believed that the term “paleoconservatism” was first used by the political philosopher Paul Gottfried, trying to identify a political movement whose supporters supported the traditions of South America and acted as an opposition to classical conservatives. During the Vietnam War, the paleocons opposed US intervention in Indochinese affairs, in contrast to the Republican Party, a classical conservative force that defended the strong international position of the United States.
Paleoconservatives place great emphasis on broad autonomous rights of states, protecting local values, Famous paleoconservatives argued that desegregation, broad social welfare programs, tolerance of gay rights, and separation of church and state harmed local communities and that these problems were imposed by federal legislation.
Paleoconservatives are generally critical of Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and believe that supporting Israel harms relations with the Islamic world and American interests abroad. During the war between Israel and Hamas, paleoconservative and controversial journalist Tucker Carlson claimed that Israel was guilty of war crimes. It is worth reminding that Carlson also interviewed Putin, but the Russian dictator disgraced himself with frankly absurd statements that made the audience laugh.
On the other hand, the rise of paleoconservatism was a reaction of the American “heartland” to the problems associated with US international policy, the flow of immigrants and the multiculturalization of American society. Paleocons are often called a radical movement for their isolationism, closing borders to refugees, and active discussion of racial issues.
At the same time, for Ukraine and global support for democracy, American isolationism is a dangerous trend that could lead to the leveling of the United States’ global influence.
Among the well-known speakers of paleoconservatism is the author of the famous book “The Clash of Civilizations” Samuel Huntington, who wrote that multiracial, multiethnic states are inherently unstable. The Chronicles and The American Conservative magazines are generally considered paleoconservative.
Donald Trump is not considered a paleocon, but there is a certain influence of paleoconservatism on his views. And some political scientists consider Trumpism to be related to paleoconservatism.
At the same time, supporters of the paleoconservative field do not form their own party, but prefer to represent their interests within the groups of the Republican Party and other organizations in the United States.
Obviously, in the next four years, conservatism with its various strands will play a greater role in world politics, and Ukraine should take this into account.
Author: Valeriy Maydanyuk