List of Political Ideologies

A political ideology is a certain set of ethical ideals, principles, doctrines, myths or symbols of a social movement, institution, class, or large group that explains how society should work and offers some political and cultural blueprint for a certain social order.

However, ideologies are often poorly defined or articulated, and can vary substantially according to political, cultural, and economic conditions. Many lack a clear structure, and exist primarily as an expression of power or in opposition to another set of ideas.

Democratic Ideologies
Democratic ideologies tend to espouse democratic pluralist values, emphasizing the necessity of popular consent and equality before the law. States established along liberal lines will always contain one or more elected legislative bodies, but the organization of government, implementation of economic policy, and attitudes toward social reforms vary widely.

Liberalism
Sub-Ideologies:

Classical Liberalism

Classical Liberalism is an ideology which views the development and promotion of a market economy with minimal state intervention as an essential aspect of the protection and promotion of individual liberty. It also values rule of law and the belief that the society is no more than the sum of its individual members.

Conservative Liberalism

Conservative Liberalism is a variant of liberalism, combining liberal values and policies with conservative stances. It is a less radical variant of classical liberalism. It tends to combine market liberal policies with more traditional stances on social and ethical issues.

Market Liberalism

Market Liberalism is an ideology supporting the economic aspects of liberalism, without including the political aspects of liberalism. Market liberalism usually promotes an economically liberal society that also provides a minimal to moderate-sized welfare state for its citizens.

National Liberalism

National Liberalism is a variant of liberalism, combing liberal policies and issues with elements of nationalism. National Liberalism is usually more accepting of protectionism, state interventionism, militarism and centralization than other forms of liberalism.

National Utopianism

A formulation of the Chinese provincial governor of Shanxi, Yan Xishan, National Utopianism is a blend of Confucian ethics and modern democratic philosophy. It is known for being particularly anti-Hoist, a legacy of the CCP's insurgency in Yan's province. Operating on a blend of pseudo-stalinst economics, and Nationalistic governance, National Utopianism focuses on quick industrialization, managed by a moral government.

Progessivism

Progressivism is a philosophy and ideology that is based on the Idea of Progress, which asserts that advancements in science, technology, economic development, and social organization are vital to the improvement of the human condition.

Social Liberalism

Social Liberalism is a political ideology that believes that individual liberty requires a level of social justice. Like classical liberalism, social liberalism endorses a market economy and the expansion of civil and political rights and liberties, but differs in that it believes the legitimate role of the government includes addressing economic and social issues such as poverty, health care and education and will choose pragmatism on social and cultural issues.

Conservatism
Sub Ideologies:

Fiscal Conservatism

Fiscal Conservatism is a form of conservatism advocating low taxes, reduced government spending, minimal government debt, free trade, deregulation of the economy, lower taxes and privatization. Fiscal Conservatives are against the government expanding beyond its means through debt and prefers pragmatism on social and cultural issues.

Liberal Conservatism

Liberal Conservatism is a political ideology combining conservative policies with liberal stances, especially on ethical and social issues. It incorporates the classical liberal view of minimal government intervention in the economy. However, it also believes that a strong state is necessary to ensure law and order and social institutions are needed to nurture a sense of duty and responsibility to the nation as well as to guarantee that traditions are respected.

National Conservatism

National Conservatism is a variant of conservatism that concentrates more on national interests and upholding cultural or ethnic identity than most other conservatives. It also favors agrarianism, economic statist policies and more close cooperation between the market and the State.

Paternalistic Conservatism

Paternalistic Conservatism is a strand in conservatism which reflects the belief that societies exist and develop organically and that members within them have obligations towards each other. There is particular emphasis on the paternalistic obligation of those who are privileged and wealthy to the poorer parts of society. Paternal conservatives support neither the individual nor the state in principle, but are instead prepared to support either or recommend a balance between the two depending on what is most practical.

Right Wing Populism

Right-Wing Populism is a political ideology which combines right-wing politics and populist rhetoric and themes. Its main themes are anti-elitism, socially conservative values, support for "common wisdom" and protection of tradition.

Traditionalist Conservatism

Traditionalist Conservatism is a political philosophy emphasizing the need for the principles of natural law and transcendent moral order, tradition, hierarchy, organic unity, classicism, high culture, and the intersecting spheres of loyalty.

Social Democracy
Social Democracy is a political ideology that supports economic and social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of a capitalist economy, measures for income redistribution,and regulation of the economy in the general interest and welfare provisions.

Arab Social Democracy

Arab Social Democracy is a political ideology based on Pan-Arabism and social democracy. It is distinct from social democracy by holding more radical nationalist beliefs, with elements of populism and revolutionary spirits blended with democracy.

Laborism

Laborism is a political doctrine that defends the imporvement of the social and economic conditions of the workers. Labor is a current of ideas that is situated in the field of the left and is close to socialism but does not seek to replace capitalist society with a socialist society. It seeks only to create conditions for workers to live in dignity and receive good wages and enjoy protection of the state.

Left-Wing Populism

Left-Wing Populism is an ideology which combines left-wing politics along with populist rhetoric and themes. its main themes are anti-elitism, a focus on the common man and it's interests, popular sovereignty and economic democracy.

Social Patriotism

Social Patriotism is an openly patriotic standpoint which combines patriotism with socialism. It was first identified at the outset of the First World War when a majority of Social Democrats opted to support the war efforts of their respective governments and abandoned socialist internationalism and worker solidarity.

Soviet Democracy

An Ideology forged in treason and betrayal, Soviet Democracy is a system in which the economy is run by the state, but the state is run by the people. Soviet Democracy criticizes political Marxism as being inherently authoritarian, and seeks to build a more truly representative government while simultaneously applying Pseudo-Marxian economics.

Left-Wing Ideologies
Left-wing ideologies aim to replace the political, economic, and/or social status quo in their respective countries, often but not exclusively by force. Countries where this transition is underway, or has already been achieved, tend to exhibit socialist characteristics, where wealth inequality and distinctions between class are narrowed or eliminated entirely, though their implementation varies considerably.

These ideologies are also marked by a common but not universal, belief that their revolutionary aims ought to be realized on a global scale, rather than at a purely national level.

Socialism
Sub Ideologies:

Agrarian Socialism

Agrarian Socialism is a political ideology which combines an agrarian way of life with a socialist economic system. When compared to standard socialist systems which are generally urban/industrial and more progressive in terms of social orientation, many agrarian socialist movements have tended to be rural (with an emphasis on decentralization and non-state forms of collective ownership), locally focused, and traditional/conservative. The emphasis of agrarian socialists is therefore on control, ownership, and utilization of land rather than other means of production.

Anarchism

Anarchism is an anti-authoritarian political philosophy that rejects hierarchies deemed unjust and advocates their replacement with self-managed, self-governed societies based on voluntary, cooperative institutions. These institutions are often described as stateless societies, although several ideas have defined them more specifically as distinct institutions based on non-hierarchical or free associations.

Democratic Socialism

Democratic Socialism is a political theory that allows for a socialist state to have a democratic system of government alongside the public ownership of the means of production. Democratic Socialism also emphasizes self-management and democratic management.

Radical Socialism

Radical Socialism is the belief that the means of production and distribution should be given to a centralized worker's union along with any private property. In syndicalism, workers would be divided into "syndicates" in which all the workers apart of a certain syndicate would make decisions together.

Zhukovism

As a political theory created by Georgy Zhukov, Zhukovism is a mixture between typical Nationalism and Communism, Zhukovism strives to combine Socialist economies with radical patriotism, and seeing military expansion as a necessary means to protect the people and values of Socialism.

Marxism-Leninism
Marxism-Leninism is the political ideology developed by Vladimir Lenin. Marxist-Leninism is considered a variant of Marxism, and supports the idea of a vanguard party and a proletarian dictatorship.

Sub Ideologies:

Hoism

Hoism is the name of the practices developed by Ho Chi Minh during his rule as Chairman of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Hoism involves the idea of a permanent revolution, emphasis on the importance of the peasantry, small-scale industrialization, and agricultural collectivization.

National Communism

National Communism combines both Marxist-Leninist principles and elements of nationalism. It constitutes a break from Marxist principles of internationalism and argues that Communist countries must be allowed to develop their foreign policies independently from the Soviet Union, and emphasizes the historical past, and the national culture, of the nation as precipitating the development of socialism within the nation.

National Revolution

National Revolution, describes the official state ideology of the Communist Party of Korea. Its early ideas formed by Kim-Il-Sung, and its development continued after his death, National Revolution emphasizes self-reliance and that people should act as the "masters of the revolution and construction." The ideology says that a nation must be strong and self-reliant in order to achieve real socialism.

Ultra-Visionary Marxism

The brainchild of the Ivan Konev, head of the Soviet Union's NKVD Internal Security Division, and Kaysone Phomvihane, head of the Laotian Communists, Ultra-Visionary Marxism is the view that only through all pervasive state inclusion can society be transformed. Ultra-Visionary Marxism also holds belief in the need for eternal revolution, backing revolutionaries all across the world.

Zhdanovshchina

Zhdanovshchina, also known as Zhdanovism is an ideological belief that encompasses all aspects of Soviet life. First shunned by the Technocrats, Zhdanovshchina has made a return with the strong devotion of Andrei Zhdanov. A belief that is fixated on purifying communism, all aspects of life are covered under its guidelines down to the slightest details. From embracing political education before science and the economy, to ensuring formality within cultural development, Zhdanovshchina is designed to be the true, ultimate form of Soviet Communism, the purest form of Communism that is not diluted by any senseless emotion.

Revolutionary Communism
Sub Ideologies:

Council Communism

Council Communism is an ideology that is characterized by its opposition to state socialism and its advocacy of worker's councils and soviet democracy as the basis for dismantling the class state. The tenets of council communism is its opposition to the party vanguardism and democratic centralism of Leninist ideologies and its contention that democratic worker's councils arising in the factories and municipalities are the natural form of working class organization and authority.

Marxism-Leninism-Kalininism

The result of what some deem a qualitative leap in Marxist-Leninist theory, Marxism-Leninism-Kalininism is the result of Kalinin's reforms to the Soviet System in his short time as General Secretary. Differing from Marxism-Leninism in its analysis of the causes of external and internal class struggle, this ideology often is more electorally devolved, while simultaneously being collectivized. Equally important in Marxism-Leninism-Kalininism is the role of the party to educate the people so as to discourage careerism and corruption within the party and state.

Neo-Communism

Neo-Communism is a revisionist form of Marxism communism that believes in the necessity of a new mentality so that Marxism can survive. It has its roots in the International Communist Opposition and on the Right Opposition of the Soviet Union. It believes that while maintaining the vanguard aspect of Soviet communism, communists must adopt a NEP based economy and cooperate with capitalists as a way to defeat fascism.

KVD Socialism

A by-product of the absurd power gained by the NKVD near the end of the German-Soviet War, NKVD Socialism is the philosophy that only by government power can Marxism exist. Practicing a slightly less collectivised and industrial version of Stalinism, NKVD Socialism often draws inspiration from Bukharin's economic theories, blaming Stalinism as a "Proto-Revisionist" ideology.

Titoism

Considered an evolution of Marxist-Leninist thought by his supporters, Titoism is the interpretation of Marxist theory formulated by Yugoslavian revolutionary Josip Broz "Tito". Favouring a more pragmatic approach to orthodox Leninism, Tito views the methods of communist revolution to be highly adaptable to whichever country it may concern. While still focused on the goals of creating a communist society, Titoism is a staunch opponent of the Soviet Union's so-called "red imperialism" and enshrines national sovereignty and international cooperation of all nations in their goal of achieving communism.

Right-Wing/Reactionary Ideologies
Right Wing/reactionary ideologies tend to enshrine the necessity of order, tradition, and centralized authority, positioning themselves as bulwarks against the perceived instability of liberalism and destructive revolution. Some leaders justify their rule through religion, others through a mix of national myths and cults of personality.

Paternal Autocracy
Paternal Autocracy is not a political ideology in the normal sense of the word, but rather a general term for the attitude these governments hold towards their citizens. The people are all subjects of the leader, either a king or a dictator, and it is the leader's job and duty to lead the state and society towards the righteous and best path while uniting the people of under his benevolent protection. These countries usually have a very authoritarian government, conservative social views, and a state-controlled economy.

Sub Ideologies:

Authoritarian Democracy

Authoritarian democracies are systems of government in which a strong and powerful leader is present. Unlike most authoritarian states, Authoritarian Democracies democratically elect this strong leader to spearhead their country into a prosperous era or to be guided through a dark time. Authoritarian Democracies rarely stay as democracies, as their leader will usually stage a political or military coup in order to stay in control.

Despotism

Despotism refers to the system of government where a single entity rules with absolute power. In this case, the Despot is flexible with their political beliefs, taking a pragmatic stance to ensure greater influence and absolute control.

Duumvirist Federalism

Arguably the oldest and newest of the post-Stalinist Soviet ideologies, Duumvirist Federalism is a relic from the past renewed. Based on the old Republican system of Rome, Duumvirist Federalism utilizes a system of two Ministers that have equal executive powers. Duumvirist Federalism often functions as a balance of power between two main factions, who are elected to a state Senate, whose eligibility is determined by monetary and fiscal value.

Military Dictatorship

A Military Dictatorship is when a country's military has completely taken over the apparatus of the state to maintain stability. Military dictatorships are common in countries that are so unstable that martial law is required. Military dictatorships are also common in countries with an authoritarian president that is corrupt and disliked by all. In a martial law military dictatorship, the military's commander-in-chief, usually the president of the said country, takes full control over the country as a dictator. In other countries where their president is disliked, the highest-ranking officer will take control. Or, more accurately, the most liked and influential officer.

Monarchism

Monarchism is a system of government in which a ruling monarch, usually a king or emperor, is the head of state and sometimes head of government of a country. Monarchs are usually limited in power in constitutional monarchies, while absolute monarchies grant them absolute power. This is a hereditary office passed down to the eldest child, predominantly the eldest son.

National Corporatism

National Corporatism is an ideology that combines nationalism, authoritarian corporatism and traditionalism. National Corporatism advocates for a strong executive power, anti-secularism and for a "Mixed Democracy", a combination of corporate and popular rule with elections where the representatives are chosen both by direct popular election and as representatives of various corporate groups.

Peronism

Peronism, or Justicialism, is an Argentine political movement based on the ideas of Argentine president Juan Peron. From an outsider perspective, Peronism can be seen as a blend of nationalism and labourism, populism or "right-wing socialism". Due to it's specific rhetorical features, the current form of Peronism upholds the beliefs of the "Twenty Peronist Tenets".

Reactionary Nationalism

Reactionary Nationalism refers to radical nationalist regimes, be they democratic or not, that center their ideology around conservative nationalism rather than ethnic nationalism. Reactionary nationalist movements show strong devotion towards religion, tradition, and culture, while also expressing fervent nationalism akin to other far-right nationalist movements.

Theocracy

Theocracies are systems of government in which the heads of a certain religious organization rule a country in the name of a divine figure, such as a prophet or God. Theocracies weren't as common in the 20th century, but the United Kingdom could be classified as one, as the monarch was also the head of state of the Church of England. A famous example of a theocracy would be Vatican City.

Transitional Regime

Transitional Regimes usually take the form of Military Dictatorships and Authoritarian Democracies, but its ultimate goal is to restore stability to the nation, and ensure smooth transition to a better form of government, most often towards a form of Democracy. As the name indicates, Transitional Regimes are not meant to be long-term governments, to prevent it from becoming fully Authoritarian.

Warlordist Autocracy

More akin to anarchy than a true system of government, Warlordist Autocracy is the ideological equivalent of the phrase "Might makes right", in that whoever is the most powerful warlord in an area rules. Functioning like a sickly form of Military Autocracy, Warlordist Autocracy often functions with the local warlord ruling as an absolute despot, with ability to influence events based on their personal power.

Fascism
Rooted in a rejection of liberal democracy and Marxism, Fascism believes in radical nationalism, nationalization of the economy, a corporatist model of society, national rebirth and rule under a strong leader. This type of ideology and has been tested in Italy and the German Reich.

Sub Ideologies:

Falangism

Falangism, developed by the ideas of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera and Ramiro Ledesma, focused on an authoritarian, national syndicalist and secular (although friendly with the church) state. It is considered one of the more revolutionary branches of fascism.

Third Positionism Third Positionism is an ideology that emphasizes opposition to both communism and capitalism. Advocates of Third Position typically present themselves as "beyond left and right" while syncretizing ideas from each end of the political spectrum, usually reactionary right-wing cultural views and radical left-wing economic views.

National Socialism
National Socialism is the political ideology most associated with the National Socialist German Worker's Party during the 20th Century. National Socialism was developed by Adolf Hitler and his cronies, with pragmatic economic ideals, an autocratic system of government, and most infamously of all, anti-Semitism. National Socialists believe in the superiority of their own race above all. National Socialists despise Jews and Communists, as they believe that they are the roots of degeneracy and stagnation. In addition, National Socialists look to the examples of German National Socialism for inspiration and guidance.

Sub Ideologies:

Esoteric Nazism

Esoteric Nazism is a branch of National Socialism integrating occultist and neopagan beliefs within Nazi ideology. It theorized that the Aryan race is descended from alleged ancient civilizations such as Atlantis and had a different evolutionary lineage from other racial groups, possibly descended from divine beings themselves. Esoteric Nazism wholly rejects Christianity, claiming it to be created by Jewry as a means to weaken the Aryan race.

Merkourism

Based on the ideals and principles of George Merkouris' Greek National Socialist Party, Merkourism prides itself on being a National Socialist branch firmly rooted in the Greek nation. They combine the Neo-Folkist ideas of "blood and soil" along with a rural populism similar to Strasserism into a coherently agrarian fascist system. Deeply reactionary and xenophobic they denounce all forms of revolutionary, democratic or socialist ideas as "Judeo-Bolshevism" and seek to enforce traditionalist idealism fervently.

Ultranationalism

As an extreme form of Nationalism, Ultranationalism encompasses a wide variety of loosely connected ideologies that promotes the superiority of their nation and people, with the core element being that of absolute devotion to the state above all else.