Open–closed political spectrum

Angela Merkel Donald Trump 2017-03-17 (cropped)

The open–closed political spectrum is a model used to describe and categorize political ideologies based on their stance towards openness and closedness. This spectrum is distinct from the traditional left–right political spectrum, which primarily focuses on economic policies and social equality.

Overview

The open–closed political spectrum categorizes political ideologies based on their attitudes towards cultural openness, globalization, immigration, and social change. It contrasts ideologies that favor openness, diversity, and inclusivity with those that prefer closedness, tradition, and exclusivity.

Open Ideologies

Ideologies on the "open" end of the spectrum typically advocate for:

• Globalization and international cooperation
• Multiculturalism and cultural diversity
• Immigration and the free movement of people
• Progressive social policies and social change

Examples of open ideologies include:

• Liberalism
• Social democracy
• Green politics

Closed Ideologies

Ideologies on the "closed" end of the spectrum generally support:

• National sovereignty and protectionism
• Cultural homogeneity and traditional values
• Restrictive immigration policies
• Conservative social policies and resistance to rapid social change

Examples of closed ideologies include:

• Nationalism
• Conservatism
• Right-wing populism

Comparison with Left–Right Spectrum

While the left–right political spectrum focuses on economic issues and the role of government in redistributing wealth, the open–closed spectrum addresses cultural and social issues. It is possible for political parties and movements to be positioned differently on the two spectrums. For example, a party might be economically left-wing but culturally closed, or economically right-wing but culturally open.

Applications

The open–closed political spectrum is used by political scientists and analysts to better understand and categorize political movements and voter behavior. It has become increasingly relevant in the context of debates over globalization, immigration, and cultural identity.

Criticism

Some critics argue that the open–closed spectrum oversimplifies complex political ideologies and fails to account for the nuances of individual beliefs. Others suggest that it may not be as universally applicable as the left–right spectrum.

See also

• Left–right political spectrum
• Authoritarianism
• Libertarianism
• Political spectrum
• Cultural politics