This document discusses the paradox that exists within conservatism between neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. Neo-liberals support a minimal state that does not interfere in economic or moral matters, believing this unleashes market dynamism and individual freedom. Neo-conservatives support a strong state that upholds traditional values and national patriotism through influence in social and moral realms. A paradox arises as neo-liberalism proposes free markets without state interference while neo-conservatism advocates a strong state that extends into morality. Order in society could be threatened by excess freedom in the economic sphere according to reactionary conservatism.

1. Why is there a Paradox within conservatism? (15)
This particular question show be explained in three main parts: Neo-liberalism, Neo-conservatism and the Paradox that exists between them.
Part 1: Neo-liberalism
 Neoliberals support a minimal state, one that merely maintains domestic order, enforces contracts and provides defence against foreign
attack, leaving other matters, especially for economic and moral issues, in the hands of the individual.
 They do so on two grounds. First, ‘rolling back’ the state unleashes the dynamism of the market, offering the prospect of prosperity for all
by removing the ‘dead hand’ of the state from the economy. Second, it has moral benefits in that it widens individual freedom and
strengthening personal responsibility.
Part 2: Neo-conservatism
 Neoconservatives support a strong state, which has an influence that extends clearly into the social and moral realms. They believe that the
state should be strengthened in three main areas.
 First, the system of law and order should be made more effective, particularly by using a stronger regime of punishments to deter wrong-
doing.
 Second, traditional values should be upheld, if necessary by law, in order to ensure that society is bound together by a common culture.
 Third, similar thinking also inclines neoconservatives to support the promotion of national patriotism.
Part 3: The ‘Paradox’
 A synthesis of both of these two concepts gives rise to a paradox as they both contradict each other with regards to the role of the state.
Neo-liberalism proposes the restoration of free markets without interference of the state and Neo-conservatism advocates a strong state
that extends its remit into the realms of morality. The paradox also exists partly due to the reactionary nature of conservatism with regards
to excessive amounts of freedom and the inequality generated that would threaten the unity of society. Order in society might be
threatened by excess freedom in the economic sphere. Note! Neoconservatives do not support welfare and social reform, and in this sense
agree with neoliberal thinking regarding the state.
L3 (11-15 marks): Clearexplanationof the neoliberal/neoconservative viewof the role of the state. Goodto Excellent:Knowledgeandunderstanding,analysis,
communicationandcoherence.
L2: (6-10 marks): Limitedknowledgeof the neoliberal/neoconservative viewof the role of the state. Limitedto Sound:Knowledgeandunderstanding,analysis,
communicationandcoherence.