The political landscape in both Europe and the United States is often described using the terms “right” and “left,” but these labels can encompass a wide range of ideologies and beliefs. A deeper look into the values and opinions held by those on the right in both regions reveals both interesting parallels and significant divergences. This analysis will explore these differences and similarities, drawing upon survey data comparing American attitudes with those in key Western European nations.
One of the most striking distinctions lies in the perception of the state’s role in society and individual liberty. In the United States, a core tenet of conservatism often centers on individualism and limited government intervention. Surveys consistently show that Americans are more likely to prioritize individual freedom over state guarantees of social welfare. For instance, a significant proportion of Americans believe that individuals should be free to pursue their life goals without state interference, while a smaller percentage sees it as the state’s responsibility to ensure no one is in need.
Conversely, Western European nations, even those with right-leaning political movements, generally exhibit stronger support for a robust social safety net. The survey data reveals that in countries like Spain, France, and Germany, a majority believes the state should play an active role in guaranteeing basic needs are met. This suggests that even the European far right, while sharing some conservative values, operates within a political culture that historically accepts a larger role for government in social and economic life compared to the prevailing ethos in U.S. conservatism.
This divergence is further underscored by attitudes towards economic fate. Americans, aligning with the individualistic ethos often associated with conservatism, are less inclined to believe that success in life is determined by external forces. In contrast, a considerably larger proportion of Europeans, including those who might lean right, express the view that life outcomes are largely beyond individual control. This suggests a difference in the perceived balance between individual agency and societal structures, a key ideological distinction when comparing U.S. conservatism and the European far right.
Religion also presents a crucial point of comparison. Religion plays a significantly more prominent role in American life and, consequently, in American conservatism, than it does in Western Europe. A substantial percentage of Americans consider religion “very important” in their lives, a figure far exceeding that of Western Europeans. Moreover, the belief that faith in God is necessary for morality is much more prevalent in the U.S. This religious emphasis deeply informs social conservatism in the U.S., particularly on issues like homosexuality and cultural values.
While the European far right may also engage with religious rhetoric or appeal to traditional Christian values, the societal context is different. Western Europe is generally more secular, and even right-wing political movements operate within a less overtly religious public sphere. Therefore, while social conservatism is a feature in both contexts, its grounding in and expression through religion differs considerably.
This contrast is evident in attitudes towards homosexuality. While acceptance of homosexuality is growing in both the U.S. and Western Europe, a significantly larger majority in Western European countries believes homosexuality should be accepted by society. In the U.S., while a majority now holds this view, there remains a more pronounced divide, particularly along ideological lines, with conservatives being considerably less accepting. This reflects the stronger influence of social conservatism, often rooted in religious beliefs, within the American right compared to its European counterparts.
However, there are areas where U.S. conservatism and the European far right show potential convergence, or at least evolving perspectives. One such area is the perception of cultural superiority. Historically, Americans have been more inclined to view their culture as superior to others, a concept often termed “American exceptionalism.” However, survey data indicates a decline in this belief among Americans, particularly younger generations.
Interestingly, views on cultural superiority in some European countries, like Germany, are closer to the current American sentiment than one might expect. While the European far right is often associated with nationalist sentiments and the promotion of national culture, the survey reveals a nuanced picture. The declining belief in cultural superiority in the U.S. might suggest a potential shift in American conservatism, making it somewhat less exceptionalist in its outlook and perhaps finding common ground with certain elements within the European right that are focused on national identity without necessarily claiming outright cultural supremacy.
Another area of complexity lies in attitudes towards international engagement and the use of military force. While Americans are generally more inclined than Western Europeans to support the use of military force to maintain world order, and less supportive of seeking UN approval for military action, there are ideological nuances within both regions. Conservatives in the U.S. are more likely to favor military intervention and less likely to prioritize UN approval. However, the European far right’s stance on these issues can be more varied, ranging from nationalist isolationism to assertive nationalism that might favor unilateral action.
Furthermore, while Americans are somewhat less inclined to believe their country should help other nations with their problems, this view is not drastically different from that in France. Interestingly, in Spain and Germany, majorities favor international engagement. This highlights that “right-leaning” in Europe does not automatically equate to isolationism, and there can be differing perspectives on international cooperation and intervention even within the broader right-wing spectrum on both continents.
In conclusion, comparing the European far right to U.S. conservatism reveals a complex tapestry of similarities and differences. While both share elements of social conservatism and are often positioned on the right side of the political spectrum, significant divergences emerge, particularly concerning the role of the state, the importance of religion in public life, and the emphasis on individualism versus collectivism. However, evolving attitudes on cultural superiority and nuanced perspectives on international engagement suggest areas where these ideologies might be shifting or finding unexpected points of comparison. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the global political landscape and avoiding simplistic generalizations about “right-wing” movements in different cultural and historical contexts.
