Reactionary

Europe 1848 map en

Cruikshank - Old Bumblehead

Le suffrage à 2 tours vaincra la réaction

Warning in Internet Cafe in Thu Duc, Vietnam-1

Reactionary is a political philosophy term that describes a person or a set of ideas aiming to return to a previous state in society, often in response to significant social, political, or economic changes. The term is frequently used pejoratively to criticize those who seek to reverse progressive or liberal reforms in favor of older conservative values or practices. Reactionaries are often contrasted with progressives, who seek to advance society by reforming existing structures and implementing new policies for social justice and equality.

Origins and Historical Context

The term "reactionary" originated during the French Revolution, a period marked by radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It was initially used to describe opponents of the Revolution who wished to restore the monarchy and the ancien régime. Over time, the use of the term expanded beyond the French context to describe individuals or groups opposing revolutionary changes in other parts of the world.

Characteristics

Reactionaries typically advocate for the restoration of what they perceive as the natural order, social hierarchy, and traditional values that were present before the advent of modernist movements. They may oppose democracy, egalitarianism, and secularism, favoring instead a return to monarchy, aristocracy, religious authority, and other forms of hierarchical governance. Reactionary thought is often associated with cultural conservatism, nationalism, and the rejection of globalism and multiculturalism.

Reactionary Movements

Throughout history, various movements have been described as reactionary due to their goals of reversing progressive changes. Examples include:

- The Counter-Enlightenment, a movement that arose in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a direct opposition to the Enlightenment, emphasizing faith, tradition, and monarchy over reason, individualism, and democracy. - The White Army during the Russian Civil War, which fought against the Bolsheviks with the aim of restoring the Russian monarchy. - The rise of fascism in the early 20th century, particularly in Italy and Germany, where fascists sought to create authoritarian states that rejected liberal democracy and communism in favor of ultranationalism and the revival of traditional social orders.

Criticism and Debate

The term "reactionary" is often used in political discourse as a pejorative to discredit opponents by framing them as backward-looking or opposed to progress. Critics argue that the label simplifies complex political ideologies and dismisses the legitimate concerns some may have about the pace or direction of societal change. Furthermore, the binary opposition between "progressive" and "reactionary" is sometimes criticized for failing to capture the nuanced spectrum of political thought.

In Modern Times

In contemporary politics, the term "reactionary" is frequently applied to groups or individuals advocating for the reversal of liberal or progressive policies, such as those related to immigration, gender equality, and climate change. The rise of populist and nationalist movements in various countries has also been described as a form of reactionary politics, as these movements often seek to defend traditional values and identities against perceived threats from globalization and liberal cosmopolitanism.