Conservatism: Concepts, characteristics and comments

Vũ Thanh Vân, Phạm Minh Sơn

Abstract

Abstract: Conservatism is a system of thought that profoundly influences global politics in the past as well as in the present. Conservatism emphasizes and upholds tradition, hierarchy, and order as the foundation for building a stable society. This article will clarify the concept of conservatism; the process of its formation and development; its basic characteristics; its impact on global politics; and the rational and irrational cores of conservatism. Through this analysis, the paper aims to determine which rational elements of conservatism might be applied in shaping policies and guidelines in present-day Vietnam.

Keywords: Conservatism, tradition, hierarchy, order.