Standing Athwart History: Conservatism, Liberalism, and the Shifting Winds of Political Power
“A conservative is someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so...” — William F. Buckley Jr. (National Review, 1955)
William F. Buckley Jr.'s statement captures conservatism’s essence—a force of resistance to unreflective progress, an anchor in turbulent modernity. But how did this cautious creed, long overshadowed by liberal optimism, gain ideological supremacy in the West? The answer lies in contrasting liberalism’s forward momentum with conservatism’s protective instinct—and observing how historical tides shifted after liberalism’s golden era.
Ideological Foundations: Modern Liberalism vs. Conservatism
Modern liberalism trusts government to rectify inequality and champion progress through civil rights, education, and regulation (Heywood, 2017). Liberty, to liberals, means opportunity and equity.
Conservatism emphasizes personal responsibility, tradition, and skepticism of government power. It values incremental change rooted in custom and continuity (Scruton, 2015).
From Liberal Dominance to Conservative Resurgence
In the wake of WWII, liberalism thrived under FDR’s New Deal and Johnson’s Great Society, institutionalizing welfare and civil rights (Skocpol, 1991). But the 1970s brought economic stagnation, social upheaval, and cultural anxiety. Frustrated voters turned to a firmer voice.
The Rise of Conservatism
Ronald Reagan’s 1980 victory symbolized a pivot: slashing taxes, boosting free markets, and restoring national confidence (Wilentz, 2008). Across the pond, Margaret Thatcher echoed this shift, favoring individualism over state dependency (Thatcher, 1987).
Why Conservatism Triumphed:
- Economic Frustration: Liberal economics faltered amid inflation and stagnation (Frum, 2000).
- Cultural Backlash: Traditional values offered clarity in a time of perceived moral decline.
- Charismatic Leadership: Reagan and Thatcher inspired with conviction and clarity.
Even Bill Clinton declared in 1996, “The era of big government is over” (Clinton, 1996)—a liberal echo of conservative ascendancy.
Contemporary Reflections
Today, conservatism embraces new faces—populist, nationalist, libertarian—yet still clings to Buckley’s core: order, restraint, and skepticism. Liberalism, while wounded, resurfaces through youth activism, academia, and climate movements. The pendulum still swings.
Conclusion
To stand athwart history is not to halt it but to measure its pace. Conservatism’s rise after liberal decades reveals the enduring need for balance: between past and future, freedom and order. The future belongs not just to those who press forward—but to those who dare to say “Stop,” and ask why.
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