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Historian [[Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.]] has said the spectrum theory was "adequate to the political simplicities of the nineteenth century, when the Right meant those who wished to preserve the existing order and the Left meant those who wished to change it. But the twentieth century, here as elsewhere, introduced new ambiguities." <ref>[http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/schlesinger-notrightleft.html Not Right, Not Left, But a Vital Center], [[Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.]], ''New York Times Magazine'', April 4, 1948.</ref> In modern times, the left emphasizes [[collectivism|collective]] wisdom as a guiding force (see [[planned economy]]), while the right emphasizes individual rights.

Historian [[Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.]] has said the spectrum theory was "adequate to the political simplicities of the nineteenth century, when the Right meant those who wished to preserve the existing order and the Left meant those who wished to change it. But the twentieth century, here as elsewhere, introduced new ambiguities."<ref>[http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/schlesinger-notrightleft.html Not Right, Not Left, But a Vital Center], [[Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.]], ''New York Times Magazine'', April 4, 1948.</ref> In modern times, the left emphasizes [[collectivism|collective]] wisdom as a guiding force (see [[planned economy]]), while the right emphasizes individual rights.

This is in stark contrast to the erroneous liberal (and Communist) view which associates the "right" with Fascism and the "left" with Communism:

This is in stark contrast to the erroneous liberal (and Communist) view which associates the "right" with Fascism and the "left" with Communism:

*The rise of fascism and communism illustrated vividly the fallacies of the linear conception of Right and Left. In certain basic respects - a totalitarian state structure, a [[single party]], a leader, a secret police, a hatred of political, cultural and intellectual freedom - fascism and communism are clearly more like each other than they are like anything in between. [http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/schlesinger-notrightleft.html]

*The rise of fascism and communism illustrated vividly the fallacies of the linear conception of Right and Left. In certain basic respects – a totalitarian state structure, a [[single party]], a leader, a secret police, a hatred of political, cultural and intellectual freedom – fascism and communism are clearly more like each other than they are like anything in between.<ref>http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/schlesinger-notrightleft.html</ref>

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

The original definition referred to Church and state issues from the late 18th century Enlightenment period. At its root was faith vs. rationalism, or the Church vs. [[secularism]]. The so-called "right", defined as "traditional interests" referred to the Church & monarchy who ruled by the [[divine right of kings]], and the so-called "left" constituted secular elements challenging the Church's long-held influence over civil government.  These definitions have always been problematic when attempting to assign western notions of "left and right" to societies which traditionally have no conception of separation of church and states, such as in Islam <ref>[http://nobsopus.blogspot.com/1993/11/political-career-of-muhammad.html The Political Career of Muhammad], Arnold Toynbee, ''A Study of History'' Annex II TO III. C. (ii) (b) p. 466.</ref> or Czarist Russia.

The original definition referred to Church and state issues from the late 18th century Enlightenment period. At its root was faith vs. rationalism, or the Church vs. [[secularism]]. The so-called "right", defined as "traditional interests" referred to the Church & monarchy who ruled by the [[divine right of kings]], and the so-called "left" constituted secular elements challenging the Church's long-held influence over civil government.  These definitions have always been problematic when attempting to assign western notions of "left and right" to societies which traditionally have no conception of separation of church and states, such as in Islam <ref>[http://nobsopus.blogspot.com/1993/11/political-career-of-muhammad.html The Political Career of Muhammad], Arnold Toynbee, ''A Study of History'' Annex II TO III. C. (ii) (b) p. 466.</ref> or Czarist Russia.

The monarchy and titled nobility became known as the "right"; this idea however has been disabused in the United States where a landlord class of titled nobles never existed, and in fact is specifically prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.  Hence Europeans today, based upon their own cultural idioms and history, have an extremely discolored view of what the "American right" is.   

The monarchy and titled nobility became known as the "right"; this idea, however, has been disabused in the United States where a landlord class of titled nobles never existed, and, in fact, is specifically prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.  Hence Europeans today, based upon their own cultural idioms and history, have an extremely discolored view of what the "American right" is.   

Another common misperception is, while the "right" has become identified with defending and advocating [[Judeo-Christian]] values, [[secular]] [[atheist]] mass movements such as [[National Socialism]] are often either mistakenly or deliberately labeled as [[right-wing]]. This fallacy has been particularly well illustrated in our own time by examining the modern [[fascist]] [[Ba'athist]] [[regime]]s of [[Iraq]] and [[Syria]]. Both have their roots in the anti-clerical influences of Western [[socialism]] against fundamentalist [[Islam]], and inherently promote "change" against oppressive religious [[theocracy]].<ref>[http://www.ozconservative.com/whatisconsshort.htm What is conservatism?] Mark Richardson</ref>

Another common misperception is, while the "right" has become identified with defending and advocating [[Judeo-Christian]] values, [[secular]] [[atheist]] mass movements such as [[National Socialism]] are often either mistakenly or deliberately labeled as [[right-wing]]. This fallacy has been particularly well illustrated in our own time by examining the modern [[fascist]] [[Ba'athist]] [[regime]]s of [[Iraq]] and [[Syria]]. Both have their roots in the anti-clerical influences of Western [[socialism]] against fundamentalist [[Islam]], and inherently promote "change" against oppressive religious [[theocracy]].<ref>[http://www.ozconservative.com/whatisconsshort.htm What is conservatism?] Mark Richardson</ref>

===European conceptions vs American conceptions===

===European conceptions vs American conceptions===

Wikipedia and many historians also use the terms "liberal" and "left-wing" and "conservative" and "right-wing" both interchangeably and intercontinentally and they combine Europe's political spectrum with America's political spectrum which is why it's also believed by many that Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party were right-wing and why they're commonly placed on the American right when the fact is that they're centre-left.  

Wikipedia and many historians also use the terms "liberal" and "left-wing" and "conservative" and "right-wing" both interchangeably and intercontinentally and they combine Europe's political spectrum with America's political spectrum which is why it's also believed by many that Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party were right-wing and why they're commonly placed on the American right when the fact is that they're center-left.  

Contrary to popular belief, however, the National Socialist German Workers' Party does not qualify as right-wing under even the European definition, as the European definition of right-wing entails adherence to and loyalty toward the monarchy, and the Nazis were strongly anti-monarchist, refusing to restore Germany's monarchistic system, and late in World War II even tried to overthrow the monarchy of one of their fellow Axis countries, Hungary. Furthermore, by European standards, the Nazis certainly were not loyal to any church or belief system in the Judeo-Christian God or Abrahamic religions. Nazis were atheist revolutionaries and socialists through and through, albeit a parochial socialism and "classless society" based on national origin. Former President Barack Obama is considered among many Europeans the most conservative or right-wing president America has ever had.

Contrary to popular belief, however, the National Socialist German Workers' Party does not qualify as right-wing under even the European definition, as the European definition of right-wing entails adherence to and loyalty toward the monarchy, and the Nazis were strongly anti-monarchist, refusing to restore Germany's monarchistic system, and late in World War II even tried to overthrow the monarchy of one of their fellow Axis countries, Hungary. Furthermore, by European standards, the Nazis certainly were not loyal to any church or belief system in the Judeo-Christian God or Abrahamic religions. Nazis were atheist revolutionaries and socialists through and through, albeit a parochial socialism and "classless society" based on national origin. Former President Barack Obama is considered among many Europeans the most conservative or right-wing president America has ever had.

Socialism has always been [[authoritarian]] from its beginnings. It began as a reaction against the [[classical liberalism]] of the French Revolution. The French writers who laid its foundation had no doubt that their ideas could be put into practice only by a strong dictatorial government. The first of modern planners, [[Henri de Saint-Simon]], predicted those who did not obey his proposed [[economic planning]] boards would be ‘treated as cattle.’ <ref>[http://www.iea.org.uk/files/upld-publication43pdf?.pdf ''Road to Serfdom'',] Friedrich A. Hayek, Reader's Digest Condensed Version, April 1945, pg. 39.</ref>

Socialism has always been [[authoritarian]] from its beginnings. It began as a reaction against the [[classical liberalism]] of the French Revolution. The French writers who laid its foundation had no doubt that their ideas could be put into practice only by a strong dictatorial government. The first of modern planners, [[Henri de Saint-Simon]], predicted those who did not obey his proposed [[economic planning]] boards would be ‘treated as cattle.’ <ref>[http://www.iea.org.uk/files/upld-publication43pdf?.pdf ''Road to Serfdom'',] Friedrich A. Hayek, Reader's Digest Condensed Version, April 1945, pg. 39.</ref>

Nationalism can be defined as pride in one's native language and culture.  Socialist theoreticians, wanting to overthrow the exisitng order, stirred up nationalist resentment among the minorities within the larger German, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian Empires. The reaction among Austrian Socialists was quite different. A solution to the problem of nationalities became policy in Austria-Hungary on two levels: territorial autonomy for territorial minorities, and "personal autonomy" for members of minorities dispersed among peoples of different languages and cultures.  Minorities were to be granted the right to have their own schools and their own institutions. Many minorities realized it was better to remain subjects of the supra-national Hapsburg state than to be subordinate to repressive policies and actions of other national groups. Austrian Socialists rejected the idea of [[national liberation movement]]s and the dissolution of the Hapsburg Monarchy into independent national units.<ref name="talmon">J. L. Talmon, ''The Unique and the Universal'', Secker & Warburg, London 1965.</ref>

Nationalism can be defined as pride in one's native language and culture.  Socialist theoreticians, wanting to overthrow the existing order, stirred up nationalist resentment among the minorities within the larger German, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian Empires. The reaction among Austrian Socialists was quite different. A solution to the problem of nationalities became policy in Austria-Hungary on two levels: territorial autonomy for territorial minorities, and "personal autonomy" for members of minorities dispersed among peoples of different languages and cultures.  Minorities were to be granted the right to have their own schools and their own institutions. Many minorities realized it was better to remain subjects of the supra-national Hapsburg state than to be subordinate to repressive policies and actions of other national groups. Austrian Socialists rejected the idea of [[national liberation movement]]s and the dissolution of the Hapsburg Monarchy into independent national units.<ref name="talmon">J. L. Talmon, ''The Unique and the Universal'', Secker & Warburg, London 1965.</ref>

By the twentieth century, [[V.I. Lenin]] insisted on the right of subjugated peoples to break away from the great empires. Once the [[Bolsheviks]] were in power in Russia however, any attempt on the part of  the subjugated peoples to break away from the Socialist Union of nations was considered [[counter-revolutionary]] activity.<ref name="talmon" />

By the twentieth century, [[V.I. Lenin]] insisted on the right of subjugated peoples to break away from the great empires. Once the [[Bolsheviks]] were in power in Russia however, any attempt on the part of  the subjugated peoples to break away from the Socialist Union of nations was considered [[counter-revolutionary]] activity.<ref name="talmon" />

Nolan saw how political families can be understood by the degree of individual choice they offer in these categories. You can use this improved way of mapping political thought to better understand your local, national and international political environment.   

Nolan saw how political families can be understood by the degree of individual choice they offer in these categories. You can use this improved way of mapping political thought to better understand your local, national and international political environment.   

Left/liberals like personal choice in civil matters and central decision-making in economics. They want government to serve the disadvantaged and promote equality. Left/liberals place high value on good intentions.  They accept diversity in social behavior but seek more equality in economics. They work with libertarians in defending civil liberties and with socialists in advancing economic central planning.

Left/liberals like personal choice in civil matters and central decision-making in economics. They want government to serve the disadvantaged and promote equality. Left/liberals place a high value on good intentions.  They accept diversity in social behavior but seek more equality in economics. They work with libertarians in defending civil liberties and with socialists in advancing economic central planning.

Right/conservatives like personal choice in economics and central decision-making in civil matters. They want government to defend the community from threats to its moral fiber. Right/conservatives place high value on laws and legislation.  They accept diversity in economics but seek similarity in social behavior. They work with libertarians in defending economic freedoms and with populists in enforcing community standards in social matters.  

Right/conservatives like personal choice in economics and central decision-making in civil matters. They want government to defend the community from threats to its moral fiber. Right/conservatives place a high value on laws and legislation.  They accept diversity in economics but seek similarity in social behavior. They work with libertarians in defending economic freedoms and with populists in enforcing community standards in social matters.  

Socialists and [[populist]]s favor central decision-making in both civil and economic matters. They believe the needs of the individual are subordinate to the needs of society. They want government to "correct wrongs." While they strongly differ on particular programs, both prefer equality in economic and personal matters.

Socialists and [[populist]]s favor central decision-making in both civil and economic matters. They believe the needs of the individual are subordinate to the needs of society. They want government to "correct wrongs." While they strongly differ on particular programs, both prefer equality in economic and personal matters.

==References==

==References==

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Nomenklatura]]

* [[Nomenklatura]]

* [[Political profiling]]

* [[Political profiling]]

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~garfinkm/Spectrum.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~garfinkm/Spectrum.html&h=697&w=724&sz=181&tbnid=eAv0lAZBMDi55M:&tbnh=135&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpolitical%2Bspectrum&start=2&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=2 a 2-d view] with left-right based on US politics and a novel vertical axis

*[http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~garfinkm/Spectrum.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~garfinkm/Spectrum.html&h=697&w=724&sz=181&tbnid=eAv0lAZBMDi55M:&tbnh=135&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpolitical%2Bspectrum&start=2&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=2 a 2-d view] with left-right based on US politics and a novel vertical axis