The Antinomies of Conservatism: An American-European Comparison

The evolution of conservative ideology is compared between Europe and America. The distinction between "principled" and "unprincipled" conservatism sets the theoretical framework, with the "unprincipled" variety found in Europe fated to be dragged along a path not of its own choosing. America is considered exceptional in that from the beginning, conservative attitudes have worked in support of classical liberal values. Liberty is preferred to equality, but equality is nonetheless highly valued as an antidote to hierarchy. As a result, populism is decoupled from its traditional home on the political left.