From Conservatism to Authoritarianism to Fascism: Exploring the…

Question Answered step-by-step From Conservatism to Authoritarianism to Fascism: Exploring the… From Conservatism to Authoritarianism to Fascism: Exploring the Right Side of the Ideological Spectrum.Some things to think about: Conservatism may work to perpetuate a particular matrix of power relations that benefits the wealthy and the powerful and that holds potential challenges to power from below in check. There are some good arguments that justify how conservatism works.  Hobbes argues that as “peace is happiness” all people, regardless of their place in society, can rationally enter into a “social contract” with a “sovereign” (essentially the state) in which they relinquish the freedom of the state of nature in favor of loyalty to an absolute sovereign who provides them with protection and ensures peace.  Social Darwinists argue that the people who succeed in rising to the top of society are the rightful rulers of that society because they have shown themselves to be the “fittest” amongst their fellow citizens.  But conservatism, and the orientation towards law and order that goes with it, have easily existed within democratic systems.  Strident opponents of Conservative policies may refer to Conservatives as “Fascists” but there is a difference and what I want you to do in this essay is to explore the nature of that difference. Here’s what to do: Looking at Conservatism, Libertarianism, Authoritarianism and Fascism as a continuum of ideological positions, identify ten elements, derived from these ideologies, in the MAGA movement that is associated with former President Trump.  As part of your discussion, consider the role of “Populism” as a mobilizational device that gives organizational form to MAGA and other such movements.In the course of your essay draw on Stanley Jason’s “How Fascism Works” and on the short articles by Wendy Brown and Sheri Berman that are available on the BB site for our class under “Content”.  Include 5 citations from the above readings in the body of your essay.Where, on the ideological spectrum, would you place Trumpism and the MAGA movement? Social Science Political Science Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)