CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES IN WESTERN SOCIETIES

Abstract

Over the centuries, conservatism has manifested as a multifaceted political and cultural force across both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, shaping the trajectories of nations and the beliefs of their peoples. While both European and American conservatism are rooted in a reverence for tradition and a disdain for radical change, the historical, socio-political, and cultural contexts in which they have developed have led to different characteristics and emphases. Although their principles and values share some similarities, they are often significantly different. European conservatism, deeply tied to the continent's monarchical, religious, and revolutionary heritage, often exhibits a complex interplay of European and supranational trends. In contrast, American conservatism, born from the revolutionary break with colonial rule and the vast frontier spirit, intertwines with themes of individualism, federalism, and capitalism in ways unique to its New World context. Over the centuries, conservative political thought, in the face of deeply rooted British and French traditions, has outlined as distinct socio-political landscapes. This analysis will point out the nuanced differences and shared principles that have defined and shaped the conservative ideologies of both nations, thereby indicating the fundamental principles and values of conservatism traditional to Western societies. A proper analysis requires stating that the scope of this analysis is primarily directed towards examining the internal content of conservatism and the genesis of its principles and values. Historical events and their consequent outcomes, while significant, fall outside the scope of this specific study.