So-called moderates are mimicking populist demagogues, with potentially disastrous consequencesIt was once known as the “centre right”, and this was the year it definitively perished. It never had a coherent political philosophy, but it tended to blend deference to the perceived needs of large business interests, the championing of so-called traditional values that were actually longstanding prejudices, and admiration for established institutions. Above all else, it supposedly offered a cordon sanitaire, preventing anything further to the right from acquiring political legitimacy.That hasn’t quite worked to plan. Nigel Farage now claims his populist-right Reform party has a higher membership than the Tories: if true, it is the first time in British history that members of a rightwing rival have outnumbered the Conservative party’s. Nearly two decades ago, then Tory leader, David Cameron, dismissed Farage’s Ukip as “fruitcakes and loonies and closet racists mostly”; but today, Camero...
This Guardian opinion piece by Owen Jones argues that the "centre-right" political ideology is collapsing across the West.
Jones posits that this traditional right-leaning ideology, characterized by support for business interests, "traditional" values (often rooted in prejudice), and established institutions, has lost its ability to serve as a moderate bulwark against more extreme right-wing movements.
He cites the UK Conservative party's increasing convergence with populist right-wing party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, as evidence of this collapse. Jones attributes this shift to the Tories' economic policies which have led to stagnation, coupled with their use of divisive issues and scapegoating to deflect blame.
Essentially, Jones suggests that the traditional "centre-right" is giving way to a new right-wing populism, blurring the lines of what is considered "too extreme" and potentially leading to dangerous consequences.
This Guardian opinion piece by Owen Jones argues that the "centre-right" political ideology is collapsing across the West. Jones posits that this traditional right-leaning ideology, characterized by support for business interests, "traditional" values (often rooted in prejudice), and established institutions, has lost its ability to serve as a moderate bulwark against more extreme right-wing movements. He cites the UK Conservative party's increasing convergence with populist right-wing party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, as evidence of this collapse. Jones attributes this shift to the Tories' economic policies which have led to stagnation, coupled with their use of divisive issues and scapegoating to deflect blame. Essentially, Jones suggests that the traditional "centre-right" is giving way to a new right-wing populism, blurring the lines of what is considered "too extreme" and potentially leading to dangerous consequences.
