Reactionism | 8values Interpretation of ideological ideology of political tests
Interpretation of reactionism in the results of the 8 values Political Ideological tendency test. This article will deeply analyze the core concepts of reactionaryism, historical evolution, and other ideologies such as conservatism, and reveal the psychological drivers behind it to help you fully understand this political trend. Explore your political positioning by passing the 8values test now!
Reactionism is a political ideology or strategy that advocates reversal of social or political changes that have occurred and attempts to restore to a "old" social state that is believed to have positive characteristics . People who hold this view usually believe that the current society has lost some positive traits. Unlike simply “response” or “response”, reactionaryism specifically refers to a political act—an objection to social reform, and an opposition to new things or revolutionary changes. In the 8 values test of political values, reactionaryism usually refers to an extremely conservative political tendency manifested in a strong resistance to social change and maintaining traditional value systems and social structures.
Although the term "reactionary" usually has a derogatory meaning and few people will actively call themselves, some thinkers and scholars, such as Austrian monarch Eric von Cuernelt-Ledin, Scottish journalist Gerald Warner and American historian John Lukac, have also used this term to describe a specific political worldview.
The origin and core definition of reactionism
The term "reactionary" originated from the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century and was originally used to describe political forces that tried to restore the monarchy after the French Revolution. It comes from the French word _réactionnaire_, meaning "a movement that reverses the existing trend or state" and "returns to the previous state".
The core of reactionaryism lies in the desire for “reverse change.” Unlike Conservatism seeking to maintain the status quo, reactionaries aim to overthrow the existing order and return society to an idealized era in the past . This desire for “reverse” makes its nature similar to that of the revolutionaries to some extent, except that their utopia exists in the past rather than in the future. This strategy of pursuing reversal changes often has the potential risk of disrupting the existing order and can even be regarded as radical.
Analysis of Reactionism and Related Political Thoughts
To understand reactionism, it is necessary to compare it with some seemingly similar but actually different political thoughts:
Reactionism and Conservatism
This is the most often confused pair of concepts, but there are significant differences between the two:
- Conservatism : emphasizes maintaining stability, usually rejects radical change, and is committed to preserving existing socio-economic structures and orders. They accept gradual, moderate improvements, and believe that historical experience is an important reference but not an absolute truth.
- Reactionism : seeks to reverse the changes that have taken place, aiming to return to a social state that they believe is superior and past. They completely deny modernity and may even resort to authoritarian or violent means to achieve their goals.
In short, conservatism is "conservative", while reactionaryism is "returning".
Reactionism and Liberalism
Liberalism values individual rights and freedoms and is theoretically neutral to change, but if freedom is threatened, liberals may also turn into reactionaries. However, the fundamental position of reactionaryism is to resist social reform and take an opposition to new things. Therefore, the conflict between the two is essentially a confrontation between "progress" and "regression", and liberals often see reactionaryism as a force that hinders historical development.
Reactionism and Progressivism
Progressivism seeks positive social change and is eager to implement new ideas immediately. This is the opposite of the reactionary people’s desire to reverse the changes that have already happened and bring things back to their past state.
Reactionism and Radicalism
Radicalism and reactionaryism both advocate subversion of the status quo, but in a very different direction. Radicalism desires to create new things and futures, while reactionaryism aims to restore old order. While reactionaryism can be seen as radical because of its extremeness in reestablishing past conditions, its nature is retrospective.
Reactionism and Populism
Reactionism is a political orientation, while Populism is an ideological or discourse system characterized by exploiting tensions between the “people” and the “corrupt elite.” Populist parties can take advantage of the reactionary tendencies of citizens, but populism itself is not necessarily reactionary. For example, Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” and Brexit “Take Back Control” both skillfully exploit people’s nostalgia for the idealized past and their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Multiple expressions of reactionism
Although reactionism is often associated with right-wing thought, it is not exclusive to the right and can also appear in the left-wing political spectrum.
Traditional Right-Wing Reactionism
- Political system : advocates restoration of the old political system, such as the monarchy. The royalist party who tried to restore the Bourbon dynasty after the French Revolution is a classic example.
- Economic sector : Commitment to reverse economic change, such as restoring growth in declining old industries.
- Culture and Society : To reverse cultural change, restore idealized “family values,” or propose harsh laws to deal with crimes seen as new phenomena. For example, some politicians claim that society is in a state of “recession and decay” and promise to reverse the process.
- Modern Fascism : The 20th century Italian fascism and German Nazi regimes, although claiming to be revolutionary, also advocate tradition, folklore and classical ideas, and attempt to establish a "new" social order based on the principle of "old".
- Neo-reactionism : The 21st century "Neo-reactionism" or "Dark Enlightenment" is a group of online political theorists who oppose democracy and enlightenment ideas, advocate the restoration of the monarchy or view the state as a company run by the CEO.
The possibility of Left-Wing Reactionism
The reactionary "retrospective gaze" can also be reflected in left-wing thought:
- Socialist State Background : When socialist countries transform into market economy or democratic system, reactionaries who advocate the restoration of the old order may appear. For example, former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin had implemented conservative social policies such as criminalizing homosexuality and restricting abortion and divorce.
- Anti-neoliberalism : Some left-wing reactionaries may want to return to the socio-economic model that pre-neoliberal era.
- Anarchical Primitivism : Anarchical Primitivists regard Rousseau’s image as an ideal, believe that civilization itself is a disaster, and advocate returning to the lifestyle of the pre-civilized era to get rid of inequality and greed.
This view subverts many people's traditional perception of "reactionaryism" and demonstrates its complexity in the political spectrum.
The Psychological Roots and Social Impacts of Reactionism
The rise of reactionism is not accidental, and its deep roots lie in complex psychological and social factors.
Nostalgia and Resentment
Reactionary thought usually begins with intense despair of the present and memory of the past "golden age" . This nostalgia is intertwined with dissatisfaction with the status quo, indignation, and a sense of deprivation . Reactionists often feel ignored by the state and their own interests are ignored. This resentment will nourish anti-establishment populism.
Traditional Values and Aversion to Change
Reactionists tend to support traditional values and take a disgust towards new things and change. A study of European societies shows that respect for tradition and disgust of risk are important factors in predicting anti-EU and anti-immigration tendencies, especially after the financial crisis. This "retrospective gaze" is often associated with xenophobia, anti-immigration, racism, anti-expert skepticism, anti-establishment, and anti-EU attitudes.
Economic Anxiety and Cultural Fears
Economic anxiety, underlying cultural fears, widespread distrust of international institutions and dissatisfaction with the “all-as-alternative” political model may all prompt a reactionary stance. Anger and dissatisfaction arise when citizens feel abandoned by society and unable to keep up with the complexities of contemporary society and economy.
The contemporary influence of reactionism and 8 values test
In today's world, the influence of reactionism is increasing, posing a challenge to democratic representation. It attracts people who feel "abandoned" by combining idealization of the past, indignation about the status quo and conspiracy theories.
Political polarization and anti-establishment sentiment
Reactionism is often closely related to political polarization, anti-establishment and anti-liberal tendencies, alienation, chaos or violent political action, and social division. Populist leaders and political parties use this complex emotional environment to promote a narrative of national greatness and strongly anti-establishment.
8values Political tendency test and reactionaryism
8values Political Ideology Test helps you understand your political stance by analyzing your preferences in four dimensions: economy, diplomacy, civil affairs, and society. If you show a strong reactionary tendency in your tests, this may mean:
- Social axis : You may tend to strongly resist social change, emphasizing the maintenance of traditional values and existing social structures, which is opposite to the direction of "progress" (social innovation).
- Civil Affairs Axis : You may show authoritarian tendencies, supporting traditional power structures and hierarchies.
By understanding the deep meaning of reactionism and its similarities and differences with various political trends, you can more accurately interpret all your results ideology , thereby more comprehensively understanding your political tendencies.
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