The Age of Iron: Conservative Nationalism and the Rise of the Far Right

Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism

by Colin Dueck

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	924 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In the wake of the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit referendum, the term "conservative nationalism" has been used to describe a new wave of right-wing populism that is sweeping the globe. Conservative nationalism is a complex ideology that draws on a variety of sources, including traditional conservatism, nationalism, and populism. It is often characterized by a rejection of globalization, immigration, and multiculturalism, as well as a strong emphasis on national sovereignty and cultural identity.

In his new book, The Age of Iron, historian Robert Paxton traces the origins and development of conservative nationalism from its roots in the late 19th century to its present-day manifestations. Paxton argues that conservative nationalism is a response to the perceived decline of the West and the rise of a new global Free Download. He sees conservative nationalism as a dangerous ideology that has the potential to lead to authoritarianism and violence.

Paxton's book is a timely and important contribution to our understanding of the rise of the far right. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the forces that are shaping our world today.

The Roots of Conservative Nationalism

The roots of conservative nationalism can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Europe was undergoing a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. This period also saw the rise of mass politics and the spread of new ideas about race and nationhood. In this context, conservative nationalism emerged as a reaction to the perceived threats of modernity.

One of the key figures in the development of conservative nationalism was the French writer Charles Maurras. Maurras was a monarchist and nationalist who believed that France was in decline due to the influence of liberalism, socialism, and democracy. He advocated for a strong state that would promote traditional values and protect the nation from its enemies.

Maurras's ideas were influential in the development of conservative nationalism in other countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. In Germany, conservative nationalists such as Arthur Moeller van den Bruck and Oswald Spengler warned of the decline of the West and called for a new era of German nationalism. In Italy, Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party, which combined conservative nationalism with elements of socialism and corporatism.

Conservative Nationalism in the 20th Century

Conservative nationalism played a major role in the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. Fascist regimes in Italy, Germany, and Spain used conservative nationalist rhetoric to justify their authoritarian rule and their policies of persecution against Jews and other minorities.

After World War II, conservative nationalism was discredited due to its association with fascism. However, it began to re-emerge in the 1970s and 1980s, as a response to the perceived decline of the West and the rise of multiculturalism.

In the United States, conservative nationalism has been a major force in the Republican Party since the 1990s. Conservative nationalist politicians such as Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump have used nationalist rhetoric to appeal to voters who feel threatened by globalization and immigration.

The Rise of the Far Right

In recent years, conservative nationalism has been associated with the rise of the far right. Far-right parties and movements have gained support in Europe and the United States by exploiting fears about immigration, Islam, and the decline of traditional values.

Far-right leaders such as Marine Le Pen in France, Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, and Donald Trump in the United States have used conservative nationalist rhetoric to mobilize their supporters. They have promised to crack down on immigration, protect national sovereignty, and restore traditional values.

The Dangers of Conservative Nationalism

Conservative nationalism is a dangerous ideology that has the potential to lead to authoritarianism and violence. Conservative nationalists believe that the nation is more important than the individual and that the state should have the power to suppress dissent and protect the nation from its enemies.

Conservative nationalism has been used to justify a wide range of human rights abuses, including the persecution of minorities, the suppression of dissent, and the use of violence against political opponents. It is a threat to democracy and to the rule of law.

Conservative nationalism is a complex and dangerous ideology that is on the rise around the world. It is a response to the perceived decline of the West and the rise of a new global Free Download. Conservative nationalists believe that the nation is more important than the individual and that the state should have the power to suppress dissent and protect the nation from its enemies.

The rise of conservative nationalism is a threat to democracy and to the rule of law. It is important to understand the dangers of conservative nationalism and to work to counter its spread.

Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism

by Colin Dueck

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	924 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE