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Right-wing politics

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Right wing is also a term used in several sports; see winger (sport).

In politics, right-wing, the political right, or simply the Right, are terms that refer to segments of the political spectrum that are typically associated with non-Socialist, conservative, and sometimes libertarian political platforms.

It is worth noting that those who advocate "rightist" policies rarely refer to themselves as "right wing." As a matter of common usage, "right-wing" is often a blanket term for the opposition to left-wing politics.

The term originates from the legislative seating arrangement during the French Revolution, when monarchists who supported the Ancien Régime were commonly referred to as rightists because they sat on the right side of successive legislative assemblies.

Delineating issues

Although "right wing" does not equate to any particular political philosophy, a number of issues are typically invoked as lithmus tests for a right-wing orientation. These apply to a lesser or greater extent in Western democracies.

Economics

Right-wing politics are typically biased in favor of free market mechanisms to solve economic problems, rather than governmental fiscal policy. Generally speaking, free trade is favored over protectionism, and governmental intervention is viewed as a drag on the economy.

International affairs and foreign policy

Although right-wing politicians favor globalism as an economic force, they are skeptical about ambitious multilateral political organizations, favoring instead diplomatic efforts among nations. They tend to integrate defense policy more closely with foreign policy and view appeasement as bad policy.

Social issues

Those on the right wing may differ about the extent to which governments should fund social programs, but they share a concern about creating dependency and economic disincentives through such programs. In discussing the existence and scope of social programs, right-wing politicians will often profess skepticism about the effectiveness and cost of such programs.

Religion and politics

As a general rule, right-wing politicians are more favorable toward religious values as a factor in religious discourse.

See political spectrum and left-right politics for further discussion of the right-left spectrum model of politics.

Right wing and totalitarian ideologies

As part of the political rhetoric, totalitarian ideologies such as fascism, nazism, and theocratic movements have been characterized as extensions of right-wing politics. This notion is rejected by those who hold right-wing views.

Political parties on the right

See: Right wing political parties.

See also

External links

References

  • Hitler's Social Revolution: Class and Status in Nazi Germany, 1933-1939 by David Schoenbaum, ISBN 0393315541
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