Nationalist conservatism

The Flag of Great Nortend, the Great Cross of the Realm.

Nationalist conservatism is the dominant political, social and cultural ideology in Great Nortend that makes a virtue of both nationalist and conservative values as being the key to national cohesion, camaraderie and stability. Being the main general ideology of all three of the main political parties as well the de facto view of Royal family, nationalist conservative values are formally promoted by the Government as reflecting the ideal values of an Erbonian subject.

All of the three major parties, the Company of Scodeliers, the Conservative Party of Great Nortend and the Droughers’ Party since the mid-20th century have subscribed to a form of such an ideology, the Scodeliers and the Conservatives, traditionally governing in a Coalition, following “National Conservatism” and the Droughs “Conservative Nationalism”. Both ideologies are generally considered broadly equivalent under the banner of “Nationalist Conservatism”.

History

The roots of Nationalist Conservatism as a distinct ideology date back to the 19th century in the face of the growing individualist liberalism promoted by the growing industrial sector, which upset traditional feudal social structures. Thus, the political movement captured people from all classes and backgrounds who were opposed to the vast changes wrought, affecting both the working class as well as the aristocracy. The workers feared the loss of their ancient feudal rights and stability for unstable labour in factories, whereas the landowners conversely feared the loss of their political clout and power, were their vassals to leave the countryside and free themselves from the prevailing feudal systems of tenure.

The view of a ordered Erbonian society emerged which compromised between both classes. The Scodeliers captured the romantic vision favoured by the idealist, whilst the Droughs tended towards a more rational approach favoured by the pragmatist, open to change as long as it does not damage society. Yet in the towns and cities, a new form of the National Soul arose. Originally, it was the merchant middling classes who argued for the evolution of the “National Soul” towards an industrialised future. However, themselves seeing the degenerate effects of industrialisation on their own towns and cities, they too rejected uncontrolled industrialisation, whilst still favouring a controlled industrialisation process. An ordered National Soul, open to change provided it is needed and for the good of society.

To-day, the Scodeliers’ romantic conception of utopia of order is tempered by the view of its coalition partner, the Conservatives, which is firmly in the day-to-day and recognises that it is impossible to hold back the winds of change in a society for ever. The end result is the Coalition brand of “National Conservatism” which exalts of the ideal of the "National Soul" which is good for the nation, to be actively chased for with changes always with the aim of improvement.

On the other hand, the Droughers too are couched in the middle of the spectrum, albeit in slightly different clothes. The Droughers’ idea of “Conservative Nationalism” consider it encompass a broad and flexible idea, where the goal is not to reach a specific ideal, but rather acceptance that change consistent with the nation’s desire is not unwarranted. In practice, however, both ideologies are parallel and lack clear definitional boundaries from one another, having many similarities in execution, if not theory. Therefore, both are commonly described as adhering to a form of Nationalist Conservatism in a broad sense.

Ideology

Social

Sir Frederic de Alston was a leading nationalist conservative during the 1920s.

Erbonian nationalist conservatism is socially conservative, and promotes traditional family structures and social stability over personal rights and freedoms. The authority of the Crown over all is highlighted through a strong focus on law and order and symbolism of state power. The social conservatism of the ideology supports the semi-feudal system of land tenure prevalent in Great Nortend, as well as the maintenance of traditional roles of each sex. Whereas males are expected to support their household financially, women are expected to maintain their family domestically. Nationalist conservatism also recognises the established Church of Nortend as the embodiment of the Crown's spiritual powers, and thus generally incorporates Christian morality into its policies. Stability, epitomised by allegiance to the Crown, is considered paramount, with real threats to society usually corrected by force, if necessary.

Nationalist conservatism also has a nationalist slant which recognises that although there is a social hierarchy, all Erbonians are equally valuable as parts of the whole, being the nation. Thus, it is considered that the only way to “better” oneself socially is to contribute more to the nation, e. g. working one's way higher by dedication, and the only way someone may be “reduced” socially is to set oneself apart from society, e. g. to refuse to join the Church of Nortend, or to commit a crime. As part of its focus on contribution to the nation, nationalist conservatives strongly promote education, discipline and physical health of the nation, especially amongst males. This is achieved through universal schooling and government support for university or vocation education, as well as recommended membership of the Cadet Corps and compulsory military Muster and Home service.

There is also a clear element of paternalism involved, with the idea of noblesse oblige holding much sway. Hence, there is widespread support for social welfare for all Erbonians, principally achieved through the system of Public Alms administered by the Lord Almoner, although also encompassing programmes such as free board schooling. National cohesion is also promoted through widespread membership of national institutions, such as the Church of Nortend, trade guilds and the aforementioned military and cadet corps.

Economic

Economically, nationalist conservatism varies between the two main political factions. Generally, however, the nationalist view promotes protectionism and self-sufficiency necessitating a highly regulated or planned economy. On the other hand, the more conservative view takes a centrist view, advocating for a market economy with protections for the people. Both views reject class conflict, and instead, in line with its social views, promote class co-operation.

In practice, Erbonian parties have generally taken a blend of these two views, promoting a neo-mercantilist mixed economy where economic growth is not necessarily actively desired. One of the major effects of the adoption of these policies is that net inflation has been maintained at 0% since the start of the 20th century, which has led to the pound marten being one of the highest valued currencies in Astyria. Despite generally accepting capitalism as necessary, the influence of companies is tempered by various limitations on their operations, principally restrictions placed on the concepts of limited liability under law.

The focus on economic stability also has a social element, in terms of promoting a Romantic ideal of an economy of full employment in harmony with nature and society. This manifests in bipartisan laws limiting the mechanisation of agricultural labour which would vastly change the rural lifestyle of the country. Furthermore, government regulation of trades and crafts through the chartered trade guilds limit other kinds of changes which would affect employment or traditional practices. Nationalist conservatism also opposes the uncontrolled increase in population for similar reasons, and also promote a limited form of eugenics in the interest of economic security. This at replacement birth rate is achieved through economic and social measures, such as financial incentives to either give birth or refrain from giving birth. This is related to the principles of self-sufficiency, given a higher population could not be sustained with the existing land area and use of the country, and would increase unemployment and incentivise waste of resources.