Political Thought Encyclopedia: How to find your political stance? A comprehensive ideological guide

Deeply explore the core ideas of political ideology, historical evolution and its impact on global policies, providing a detailed introduction to over 50 political ideologies to help you identify and understand your political stance. Complete our 8 Values ​​Political Propensity Test and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The driving force behind the political decisions we make and the actions taken by politicians often stems from various political ideologies. In the United States, the bipartisan system often leads discussions, but this is just the tip of the iceberg of the political picture. The scope of political thought is extremely broad, covering a variety of ideologies, from anarchic capitalism to liberalism, to democratic socialism.

This guide aims to explore the ocean of political thought and theory in depth, and examine the different ideologies that shape local politics, the country, and the world. Political ideology is a series of beliefs, opinions, values ​​or doctrines that guide individuals and politicians how they view the world and believe in how society and government should function . These ideologies vary greatly in their focus. Some focus on social issues and provide a blueprint for how states and societies manage personal freedom and civil rights; others focus on economic issues and explain how funds and labor should be or should not be controlled. Ultimately, political ideology reflects social, historical and cultural contexts, so its meaning and importance will change over time.

In practice, political ideology affects everything we follow in the laws, economic structures, and in the distribution of power. By understanding various political ideologies, we can better control the complex political and government structure. Are you curious about your political inclinations? By participating in our political orientation tests , you will gain insight into which ideology your values ​​match.

A complete list of political ideology

Despite the hundreds of different political ideologies, identities, factions and camps throughout history, we have collected over 50 of the most common and prominent ideologies in today’s world and in the news. These ideologies are divided into 11 main categories, with a final category surrounding specific values ​​such as feminism and environmental protectionism. Let’s dig into the specific ideologies that make up these categories.

Anarchist political ideology

Anarchism originated in Greek, meaning "no ruler" . It goes beyond simple symbols and is a political idea against institutions such as the state, which argues that these entities are authoritarian and restrictive in nature. Many anarchists advocate the establishment of a stateless society and oppose private ownership of means of production, although the right-wing factions may support private property.

1. Anarchical communism

Anarchical communism combines anarchist thought with communist values. Its followers believe in abolishing hierarchy, social class and currency. They oppose private property and advocate collectively or socially owned goods, goods and services. Some anarchic communists even believe in a "gift economy" that distributes resources for free according to individual needs.

2. Anarchical capitalism

Sometimes confused with free will anarchism, anarchism advocates the replacement of government and state-owned institutions with private organizations . Its core principle is that society can self-regulate, and through the voluntary exchange of goods and services and a true free market, society can prosper and develop. Furthermore, anarchic capitalists believe in using private enterprises and organizations to perform roles traditionally assumed by public services, such as courts and police.

3. Classical anarchism

Classical anarchism is the basis of anarchist thought founded by political thinkers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is centered on promoting individual freedom, anti-authoritarian efforts, collective ownership of goods and services, mutual assistance as a pillar of society, decentralized decision-making, and achieving goals through direct action.

4. Individual Anarchism

Individual anarchism places individuals above the collective. In this idea, the state must be abolished because it violates individual autonomy. Individual anarchists believe that human beings are rational actors, and under absolute personal sovereignty, natural order will prevail, thus creating a stable and harmonious society.

5. Religious anarchism

Although religious anarchism may vary by religious practice, its followers generally believe that God is the only true form of authority, believing that the state and even sometimes organized religions are contrary to the doctrine of the gospel. Some religious anarchists agree that by following God’s will, humans will practice universal sympathy, organize themselves horizontally (rather than vertically organized in authoritarian systems), and build a balanced society.

Authoritarian political ideology

Authoritarianism is an idea of ​​centralization, which reduces or deprives citizens of freedom, individual rights, the rule of law and the separation of power . The central power of an authoritarian regime can be controlled by a political party, a dictator or monarch, or a military regime. For example, the People's Republic of China is often regarded as an authoritarian state because it has extremely high state power and influence.

1. Absolute monarchy or dictatorship

Under an absolute monarchy, a single king, queen or dictator has full control of the state. Absolute monarchy is dictatorial, meaning that the monarch is the only source of power, and this power is often regarded as divinely granted.

2. Imperialism

Generally speaking, imperialism is the practice of a country using its power to control other countries. Many authoritarian regimes have expanded their control within a region through imperialism. Some imperialists may believe that there is a higher power to give them the right to extend power, such as the idea of ​​“showing destiny”, while others may see imperialism as a way to ensure the long-lasting existence of their nation.

3. Oligarchy

Oligarchy involves a small group of people controlling an organization . In an oligarchic country, a small group of politicians, businessmen or wealthy individuals control all aspects of the country, overseeing the law, economy and military.

4. One-party system

In a one-party state, a political group controls the government. In some one-party systems, all other political groups are banned; while others allow other parties to participate in a controlled manner.

5. Theocratic politics

Theocratic politics puts absolute and all power in the hands of God or the gods . In practice, theocratic politics may be an absolute monarchy in which religious leaders are given divine right to rule and act as intermediaries to transform God’s will into political decision-making. In the theocracy, religious freedom is strictly restricted. Some theocratic states would completely ban different religious practices, while others might allow limited and controlled religious freedom.

6. Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is the most extreme and ultimate form of authoritarian government . In totalitarian states, power is highly concentrated and the public must fully obey the state.

Socialist political ideology

Communism places communities above individuals, believing that participating in communities defines and shapes individuals . It emphasizes social connections and social cohesion, often small and neutral, to meet the needs of the community. Organizations in a socialist system may be formed around common traits, history, or geographical location.

1. Guild Communityism

Based on the system first proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, guild communityism involves organizing society around industry guilds, professional associations and collective workplaces . It emphasizes putting career and wider community goals and interests above the individual and through these efforts to strive for social harmony.

2. Proprietaryism

Proletarianism advocates decentralization, prefers small or local enterprises over large corporations, and supports widespread control of personal property rights and means of production. Proletarianism is sometimes described as an economic system of “third path” and is an alternative compromise outside capitalism and socialism. Proletarians regard property rights as a fundamental right and believe that productive assets should be owned as much as possible by a majority, not by the state, company, or a few rich people.

3. Mutual Aidism

Mutual aid is a kind of communist and anarchist idea characterized by free banking, free association, workplace democracy and social support achieved through mutual aid . The basis of mutual aidism is the "cost is price limit theory" proposed by American philosopher and social reformer Josiah Warren in the 1830s. The theory states that the cost of goods and services should be limited to the amount of resources and labor required to produce them.

Communist political ideology

The core of the communist political belief is the common ownership of the means of production and the allocation of resources according to the needs of everyone in society . In communism, there is no private property or social class, and the ultimate goal is to abolish currency and state. Communist ideologies in practice vary greatly, but they all share the belief that capitalism has led to the emergence of an exploitative social order, dividing society into two classes: the proletariat who sells labor for survival, and the bourgeoisie who profits from proletarian labor.

1. Barracks Communism

Karl Marx coined the term "barracks communism" while criticizing Sergei Nechayev's vision for future social order. This is an authoritarian system in which people are forced to live and work collectively rather than voluntarily choose to participate in commune organizations . Marx believed that this system was an authoritarian and compulsory version of socialism, contrary to the classless and voluntary society he envisioned.

2. Marxism

Developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Marxism is defined as a socio-economic theory and a critique of capitalism . Marxists share the basic belief that the economic system shapes social structures, and they advocate collective ownership of means of production to eliminate exploitation.

3. Leninism

Leninism is a political ideology founded by Vladimir Lenin on the basis of Karl Marx's thought . Leninism believes that there must be a professional revolutionary party. This party will lead the proletarian working class to revolutionize and get rid of capitalism and bourgeois oppression. Furthermore, a fundamental aspect of Leninism is the establishment of a transitional state to promote the transition to a classless and purely communist society.

4. Mao Zedong Thought

As a form of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought mainly emphasizes the role of the agricultural and peasant class in the revolution, rather than Leninism's emphasis on the proletarian working class . Mao Zedong Thoughts also believed that ongoing revolutions were necessary to prevent bureaucratic elites from regaining control and maintaining momentum towards purely communist social goals.

Conservative political ideology

Conservative ideology often advocates that the government has a lesser role in regulating the economy and businesses . In addition, many conservative political advocates call for the preservation of traditional systems, customs and values. In the West, some conservative ideologies may promote the service and preservation of cultural and political systems such as core families, property rights, the rule of law and organized religion.

1. Authoritarian Conservatism

Authoritarian conservatism combines traditional conservative ideals with centralization, putting national unity and legal order above more liberal ideals such as individual freedom or democracy . Authoritarian conservatism seeks to maintain established social structures and limit political dissent through authoritarian intervention.

2. Alternative Right wing movement

The alt-right is a relatively new group of political ideological groups characterized by promoting nationalism and populism and opposing mainstream Western conservatism . The alt-right rejects multiculturalism and opposes any action or organization related to political correctness or “Awakening Culture.”

3. Classical Conservatism

Classical conservatism encompasses the core beliefs of conservative ideology, encouraging traditional and gradual change rather than radical reform. Those who support classical conservatism often uphold established customs and moral values ​​and promote traditional respect for history.

4. Fiscal Conservatism

Fiscal conservatism focuses on economic policies, advocates limiting government spending, reducing taxes for individuals and businesses, and reducing public debt . Fiscal conservatism believes in free markets, budget balance and limited participation in government economic activities, encouraging public services such as private sector solutions rather than welfare.

5. New Nationalism

New nationalism is a reactionary ideology that stems from dissatisfaction with globalization at the end of the 20th century. The core values ​​of new nationalism revolve around traditional religious beliefs, nationalism and heritage, which new nationalists advocate using as tools for maintaining social stability . New nationalists often reject modern and progressive social change, viewing it as a threat to traditional values, norms and institutions.

6. Neoconservatism

Neoconservatism began in the United States in the 1960s, advocating interventionist foreign policy, aiming to promote overseas democracy through military forces and enhance the United States' global influence . During the administration of Neoconservative Republican President George W. Bush, the political influence of neoconservativeism grew, supported American exceptionalism and played an important role in the Iraq War.

7. Old Conservatism

Old conservatives focus on maintaining traditional values. This ideology is distinguished from other modern conservative movements through its non-interventionist or isolationist position . Old conservatism is anti-globalism, anti-modernism and skeptical about immigration. In the United States, old conservatives advocate nationalism, Christian ethics, and multicultural reduction programs. Some old conservatives may focus their social beliefs on issues of race or identity politics.

8. Progressive Conservatism

Progressive conservatism supports the capitalist economy while promoting government intervention in areas such as humanitarian and environmental issues . Famous figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Angela Merkel have been described as progressive conservatives or advocate for progressive conservative policies. At its core, progressive conservatives seek to maintain the capitalist system, but believe that state action is necessary to solve human and environmental problems.

9. Theocratic Conservatism

While it has many similarities with old and neoconservatism, theocratic conservatism is a combination of conservatism and religious fundamentalism . It emphasizes religious states and advocates the influence of religion in political and social norms. Theocratic conservatives also gain moral values ​​from their religion.

Fascist political ideology

Fascism is a far-right, extreme nationalist, authoritarian political ideology . It usually involves authoritarian or other authoritarian governments, forcing the suppression of all opposition groups, advocating natural social hierarchies, and condemning individual rights and interests for the benefit of the state, a particular race or political party. Although fascism is primarily associated with the political system of Nazi Germany, the first fascist movement began in Italy during World War I, after which fascist ideology influenced various political parties and governments.

1. Christian Fascism

Christian fascism, or Christian fascism, is an ideology that combines fascist principles with religious identity . It often uses religious dogma to defend the authoritarian agenda. It advocates a policy of retaining religious values ​​in the state and regards opposition to faith as an existential threat.

2. Nazism

Nazism is the political ideology of Adolf Hitler's National Socialist Party in the early 20th century, characterized by support for the structure of authoritarian government, extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism. It promotes racial superiority and advocates the creation of a purer nation through eugenics, often using violent means.

3. Neofascism

Neofascism that emerged after World War II was a far-right political ideology . It has many similarities with the original fascist movement, including nativism, anti-immigrant sentiment, extreme conservatism, racial supremacy, and widespread opposition to extreme left movements such as socialism or communism. As the name suggests, neofascism adapts traditional fascist principles to modern challenges such as globalization and multiculturalism.

Liberal political ideology

Liberalism is committed to safeguarding individual rights and freedoms while advocating the use of government to secure these rights for all . Liberals have traditionally supported government intervention to create more equitable economic outcomes, promote social welfare, and address issues such as education, poverty and health care.

1. Classical liberalism

The difference between classical liberalism and other forms of liberal thinking is that it advocates a laissez-faire free market economy . However, despite not wanting government intervention in the economy, classical liberals believe that government is necessary in certain aspects of social life and well-being, such as law enforcement, health and education.

2. Conservative liberalism

Conservative liberalism often combines liberal views on economic systems with conservative positions on moral or social issues . Conservative liberals accept classical liberal laissez-faire attitudes and government restrictions on socio-economic activities, but also advocate more traditional values ​​in society.

3. Secular liberalism

Secular liberalism places government separation from religion at the heart of its beliefs, promoting non-religious ethics and secularist values . For social organizations, secular liberalism usually adheres to the principles of liberal democracy and moral universalism.

4. Social Liberalism

Social liberalism is best compared with classical liberalism: Social liberalism does not advocate limited government and laissez-faire economy advocated by classical liberalism, but supports a mixed economy and regards government as an indispensable tool for promoting civil and political rights, social justice, and improving social services .

Liberalism Political Ideology

Libertarianism is characterized by putting freedom and rights above all other values . The core principle of many liberal ideologies is that anyone can live as long as they do not infringe on or violate the lives or rights of others. Generally speaking, liberals oppose authoritarian states, nationalism and interventionist policies.

1. Results-oriented liberalism

Results-oriented liberalism stems from cost-benefit analysis of state behavior, such as the creation and execution of free markets and the protection of private property . Libertarians who hold a result-oriented viewpoint believe that these state actions are acceptable, even if they involve the use of force or the violation of certain rights because they create favorable results such as wealth and efficiency.

2. Corporate Oligarchy

In corporate oligarchy, the federal government has extremely limited power, and most government functions are run by or seriously affected by the company and its commercial interests . Corporate oligarchy may emerge when liberalism’s privatization principles are pushed to extremes. Corporate-based oligarchy may evolve into authoritarianism, such as oligarchy or chaebolism, in which only extremely wealthy people have political influence and legal rights.

3. Left-wing liberalism

Left-wing liberalism is defined as its belief in individual freedom and social equality . Typically, left-wing liberal willists advocate collective ownership and fair distribution of natural resources (such as land) while maintaining the protection of personal property rights. Most left-wing libertarians support state welfare programs and believe that states should control the redistribution of resources.

4. Right-wing liberalism

It is mainly in contrast to left-wing liberalism, which is right-wing liberalism, also known as free-will capitalism, regards the free market as the ideal method to distribute wealth and property . Right-wing liberalists support traditional liberalist individual social rights, but adopt a capitalist economic system.

Populist political ideology

Populism is a series of political theories and ideas designed to enhance the general population rather than being seen as elite groups . Different populists and populist movements have different definitions of “ordinary people” and “elites”, and there are populists in almost every position on the political spectrum.

1. Agriculturalism

Agricultureism is characterized by supporting agricultural and rural lifestyles rather than industrialization and urban modernization . Agriculturalism is reactionary in nature, formed when opposing the rise of cities, industrialization and the formation of central government. Supporters of agrarianism promote decentralized politics, improving smallholder rights and sustainability, broad property rights, and development in rural areas.

2. Conservative populism

Conservative populism, also known as right-wing populism or national populism, blends conservative ideals and values ​​with populist messages . Conservative populists are anti-elites and oppose what they consider to be "védélic interests."

3. Left-wing populism

Left-wing populism, or social populism, is located on the other side of the political spectrum, opposite to conservative populism. It combines classic left-wing politics and values ​​with populist messages such as anti-establishment, anti-eliteism, and claims to represent and consist of ordinary people.

Progressive political ideology

The core goal of progressivism is to improve the human condition through social reforms and advances in technology, social organizations and science . As a traditionally left-leaning political ideology, progressivism advocates the protection of human rights, regulates capitalism, and promotes policies to promote cultural development.

1. Cultural Progressivism

Cultural progressivism advocates social change that promotes individual rights, inclusiveness and equality . Although some cultural progressives may have disagreements on economic policy, they generally agree to adopt progressive reforms to address environmental issues, racial justice and gender equality. Cultural progressives often embrace multiculturalism, social justice initiatives, and secularism.

2. Economic Progressivism

Economic progressives believe that unrestrained capitalism is the cause of unfair economic conditions and uneven distribution of wealth . They believe that through market control and regulation, upward liquidity can flourish and income inequality will decrease. Economic progressives may advocate specific policies such as antitrust laws, promoting trade and trade unions, and improving minimum wage laws.

3. Technological progressivism

Technological progressivism sees technology as the primary means of achieving a more equitable and sustainable society . Through technological innovation, scientific and technological progressives believe that social problems can be solved and the quality of life can be improved. However, tech-progressives advocate the formulation of regulations and policies to ensure that technology is used to benefit people and society and to allow for equitable distribution of innovation and results.

Socialist political ideology

Socialism is defined as social ownership of means of production, which means a wider group, such as communities, collectives, employees or the general public, controls the production of goods and services rather than companies or businesses . Socialist ideology usually agrees on the ultimate goal, but differs in strategies to achieve it, with some advocating revolutionary actions, while others opting for a more gradual approach through smaller social and economic changes.

1. Authoritarian Socialism

Authoritarian socialism, sometimes called "top-down socialism", maintains centralized control over political parties while promoting socialist economic policies . It usually restricts freedoms such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly to prevent counter-revolutionary or forced top-down establishment of socialist societies.

2. Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialists advocate social ownership economy and political democracy . In a democratic socialist system, both political and economic decisions are made through referendums, and workers manage their labor organizations and workplaces. Democratic socialism believes that the state should implement these changes through democratic means.

3. Liberal Socialism

Liberal socialism is a combination of liberal ideals and socialist practices. It regards liberalism as a political expression of human freedom and believes that the socialist method can create conditions for the absolute freedom of human life . In practice, liberal socialists support a mixed economy, including workers-controlled industries and private enterprises, balancing freedom with collective ownership.

4. Reform socialism

Reforming socialism is an ideology that socialist changes in society, politics and economy can be achieved through gradual changes to existing institutions . Reforming socialists do not advocate revolutionary actions, but focus on reshaping society through existing legislative and institutional means.

5. Revolutionary Socialism

Revolutionary socialism believes that fundamental socialist changes in society, politics and economy can only be achieved through revolutionary actions . They rejected gradual reforms, believing that only by overthrowing capitalism and existing institutions can a truly socialist society be established.

6. Syndromeism

Syndromeism is a socialist movement and ideology whose core is to place control and ownership of means of production in the hands of trade unions . Syndromeists believe in promoting the needs and rights of workers through direct actions such as strikes and other forms of protest.

Other forms of political ideology

While many political ideologies are built around economic or social organizations, some are more specific, focusing on a single thought or individual identity. Sometimes these ideologies may be combined with larger groups, and followers of more specific ideologies may also identify with other more traditional types of political philosophy.

Some common political ideologies that focus on specific identities and ideas include:

• Animal rights movement : Political advocacy for promoting animal welfare policies in society and labor.
• Environmental protectionism : a social and political movement that focuses on environmental protection and maintenance; generally advocates sustainable policies, reduce human impact on ecosystems, and protect natural resources.
• Feminism : A series of socio-economic ideologies seeking to promote women’s rights and gender equality.
• Separatism : An ideology that advocates a complete political separation of a particular group from a larger group; separatist groups often believe that integration with a larger community will undermine their ability to pursue self-determination and self-realization.
• Technological bureaucracy : a belief in giving decision-making power to technologists rather than elected politicians.
• Transhumanism : An ideology that advocates the use of technology to improve the human condition, extend lifespan and enhance human capacity.

Summary of the political ideological pattern

All in all, political ideology shapes how we view the world, from the left to the right, and everything in between . In the United States, the two-party system often oversimplifies broad political beliefs, but ideology is far more simple than the Democrats and Republicans. Understanding the diversity of political ideas allows us to participate in discussions more thoughtfully, vote more carefully, and understand the complexity of government better. Whether it is liberalism, socialism, or other completely different ideas, exploring these ideologies can provide a clearer perspective for us to understand the policies and actions that shape the world.

Want to know whether your own political tendencies and values ​​are most in line with which of the above ideology? We offer free 8Values ​​political orientation tests designed to help you explore your political stance. You can also visit our official blog and 8values ​​All Results Ideology Page to gain insight into detailed introductions to a wide range of ideologies and expand your political horizons!