Conservatives Quote by George Hawley
““As with equality, the neoconservatives, and now conservatives more generally, frame themselves as enthusiastic promoters of democracy; they frequently promote democracy as a panacea for many of the world’s ills. Such a position could not be more at odds with the views of the pre–World War II right in America, which was often ostentatiously elitist and skeptical of the masses.””
About This Quote
Source Article: "Neoconservatism and Democracy", Foreign Affairs, 2015
The quote critiques how modern conservatives claim to champion democracy, contradicting earlier right‑wing elitism that distrusted mass rule.
In simple terms: Conservatives now praise democracy, unlike earlier elitist right.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ideological shifts over time.
Themes
politics
democracy
ideology
historical contrast
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political commentary
historical analysis
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic debate
- public discourse
- media commentary
Key Concepts
elitism
populism
political rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How do contemporary political narratives reshape past ideologies?
- What factors drive parties to adopt seemingly opposite positions?
A Different Perspective
Historical right‑wing views were not uniformly anti‑democratic, so the contrast may be overstated.
