The Promise and Danger of National Conservatism

Abstract

National conservatism provides an opportunity to realign the conservative movement in useful ways, namely by rejecting neoconservatism in favor of something more genuinely conservative. Catholics should applaud this. However, it must be recognized that national conservativism has its own goals and priorities distinct from Catholic social thought. Several pitfalls may impede the success of national conservatism. Most importantly, national conservatism might ultimately undervalue the importance of natural law and social conservatism.