Top 9 Conservatism & Liberalism Books

Lance Aguilar
10 min readJul 13, 2024

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Welcome to our book roundup featuring “Conservatism & Liberalism Books”! Dive into this captivating collection of titles that explore the intricacies of political thought. From philosophical discussions to practical insights, these books offer a well-rounded perspective on the world of conservatism and liberalism. Discover the authors and works that have shaped our understanding of these influential ideologies, and let the pages turn as you delve into the depths of political theory.

By engaging with these insightful books, readers can gain a deeper understanding of conservatism and liberalism while also exploring the complexities of our political landscape. Explore the articles below to find your perfect starting point for immersing yourself in the fascinating world of political thought.

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1. Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash

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Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash is a provocative exploration of the deep-seated differences between liberal and conservative worldviews in contemporary American politics. With clear and engaging prose, author Bruce Edward Fleming offers insight into why the two sides remain stubbornly at odds, and challenges readers to broaden their understanding of these distinct frameworks.

Fleming asserts that liberal and conservative thought is fundamentally different, with each constituting a self-contained worldview. He presents a set of guidelines to predict one’s political inclinations based on their views on other issues, emphasizing that neither side will ever fully convince the other in an argument.

The book highlights intriguing examples of seemingly disconnected issues, such as the connections between support for gay marriage and early-term abortion, and the understanding of “supporting the military. “ By illustrating these structural differences, Fleming explains what has driven the intense polarization in American politics.

Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash is a must-read for anyone who seeks to navigate the complex and contentious political landscape. By acknowledging the uniqueness of liberal and conservative thought, the author encourages readers to move beyond entrenched positions and begin a more constructive dialogue.

With 236 pages and published by Routledge in 2006, this insightful book provides invaluable context for understanding the unique challenges faced by the nation. Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash is a crucial addition to the political science category and an intriguing read for all who value open-minded debate and compromise.

  • Authors: Bruce Edward Fleming
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: March 30, 2006
  • Page Count: 236
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Political Science
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Conservatism and American Political Development

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Discover Conservatism and American Political Development in this revolutionary edited collection, which delivers an extensive analysis of conservatism’s significant influence on the American political landscape throughout the 20th century. This pioneering book offers an unparalleled exploration of the role of conservatism, which has long been overshadowed by liberal policy-making, in shaping the nation’s political terrain.

This thought-provoking volume breaks down the historical timeline into three eras and delves into three crucial issues: social security, the environment, and education. It elucidates how conservatives within governmental establishments have both affected the expansion of the American state and been affected by it.

Conservatism’s ironic role in the growth of the American state has often been underrated. Liberals, who initially constructed the framework for state expansion, often gain more attention, but in Conservatism and American Political Development, the new right is brought to the forefront for its influence on shaping the state and embracing it to achieve conservative policy goals.

First published in 2009 by Oxford University Press, this fascinating book becomes a must-read for anyone aiming to comprehend the continually evolving position of conservatism in the American political sphere. With its focus on critical issues and a unique perspective on the relationship between the new right and the state, Conservatism and American Political Development is an indispensable addition to the field of political science research.

  • Authors: Brian J. Glenn, Steven M. Teles
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published Date: February 26, 2009
  • Page Count: 392
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Political Science
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. A Citizen’s Guide to American Ideology

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Conservatism and Liberalism in Contemporary Politics

“A Citizen’s Guide to American Ideology” by Morgan Marietta, offers readers an in-depth exploration of contemporary American politics, specifically focusing on the two dominant ideologies: conservatism and liberalism. Unlike many other books on the subject, Marietta employs a unique metaphor of a tree, explaining the growth from ideological roots to a core value which then expands into a problem that creates the competing branches of the ideology. This innovative approach enables readers to easily compare and contrast the two ideologies, enhancing their understanding and promoting more productive democratic debate.

The book consists of 145 pages, published by Routledge in 2012.

  • Authors: Morgan Marietta
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: March 29, 2012
  • Page Count: 145
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Philosophy
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. The Righteous Mind

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Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

Delving into the complexities of human behavior, morality, and politics, Jonathan Haidt’s “The Righteous Mind” challenges our conventional thinking about these topics. For over two decades, the renowned social psychologist has conducted groundbreaking research on moral psychology, shedding light on the origins of our moral judgments.

This book reveals the role gut feelings play in shaping our opinions and perspectives, bridging the divide between liberals and conservatives. By showing that each side is indeed right about many of its central concerns, Haidt offers a unique perspective on the nature of human cooperation and the enduring conflicts between us.

In this intriguing and thought-provoking journey, readers are invited to trade anger for understanding and embrace the complexities of the human mind.

  • Authors: Jonathan Haidt
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: February 12, 2013
  • Page Count: 530
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Psychology
  • Average Rating: 3.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Up From Liberalism

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In “Up From Liberalism”, the third book by the renowned conservative writer William Frank Buckley Jr. , he unleashes a provocative and insightful account of American Liberalism in the 1950s. This timeless literary work boldly delves into debates surrounding the values of liberalism, questioning its underpinnings and examining the speeches and actions of prominent liberalists of that era. Buckley shines light on a definitive list of social and philosophical prejudices that he perceives as inherent in the liberalism of the time.

A testament to Buckley’s eloquence and sharp intellect, this book is a must-read for those who seek insight into the intellectual debates of the era. “Up From Liberalism” is revered for its capacity to provide valuable insights into the root causes of liberalism, challenging readers to consider the philosophical foundation of liberal ideologies.

With its concise, incisive language, “Up From Liberalism” is both a historical record and a commentary on the intellectual climate of the 1950s. Buckley’s penetrating analysis sheds light on the societal and philosophical shifts of the time, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural currents that shaped American thought during the era of the conservative revival.

As this timeless work continues to reverberate with modern readers, the question at its core persists: Does the philosophy of liberalism, with all its ideals, inherently carry the seeds of its own undoing? “Up From Liberalism” provides an answer, even as it leaves readers to ponder and debate the implications.

  • Authors: William F. Buckley Jr.
  • Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
  • Published Date: August 09, 2016
  • Page Count: 165
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: History
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Relationship between Liberalism and Conservatism

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Parasitic, Competitive or Symbiotic?

The Relationship between Liberalism and Conservatism: Parasitic, Competitive, or Symbiotic? is a thought-provoking and comprehensive work by renowned philosopher, Ann Bousfield. First published in 1999, this essential volume has stood the test of time as it delves into the complex and intriguing relationship between liberalism and conservatism. As political ideologies, these two philosophies have long been at odds, often fueling heated debates and shaping the political landscape in profound ways. Bousfield’s groundbreaking analysis challenges conventional wisdom and offers a unique perspective, offering new insights into the nature of these ideologies and their interplay.

Throughout the book, Bousfield critiques some of the most influential figures in the liberal theory debate, including William Galston, Jeffrey Reiman, and Richard Rorty. She also tackles the broader issue of de-ontological liberalism, which has become a central theme in contemporary political philosophy. By presenting an explicit and implicit critique of these leading figures, Bousfield seeks to advance the discussion on the future of liberal theory and the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship between liberalism and conservatism.

The Relationship between Liberalism and Conservatism is a must-read for anyone interested in political philosophy, as it provides a thorough and engaging exploration of the complex relationship between these two ideologies. Its 2018 edition by Routledge ensures that this timeless work remains relevant and accessible to readers, making it an invaluable addition to any library or intellectual endeavor.

  • Authors: Ann Bousfield
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: November 09, 2018
  • Page Count: 186
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Philosophy
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. A World After Liberalism

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Philosophers of the Radical Right

Dive into the world after liberalism with Matthew Rose’s captivating exploration, A World After Liberalism. This enlightening book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the minds of some of the most radical critics of liberalism of the twentieth century. Gain insight into the “radical right” movement’s adherents, who challenge the core tenets of democracy, while questioning basic norms and practices.

Discover how prominent thinkers such as Oswald Spengler, Julius Evola, Francis Parker Yockey, Alain de Benoist, and Samuel Francis, disagree profoundly on race, religion, economics, and political strategy. Learn how they all see a post-liberal political life as a likely possibility in the near future.

A World After Liberalism delves into the religious aspirations and anxieties that animate these thinkers, which create a tension with Christian teachings and the secular values born out of modernity. In this compelling book, Rose demonstrates why understanding the philosophy of these radical right individuals is of crucial importance for appreciating our historical moment.

Don’t miss out on the chance to take a deep dive into the provocative world of radical right thinkers. A World After Liberalism is an intriguing and essential read for anyone interested in philosophy, politics, and the future of our society.

  • Authors: Matthew Rose
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published Date: March 30, 2021
  • Page Count: 209
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Philosophy
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Ideology

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Conservatives, Liberals and Socialists

Ideology by David Reisman offers a deep dive into the world of competing ideologies, shedding light on three distinct perspectives: conservatism, liberalism, and socialism. This 256-page masterpiece, published by Edward Elgar Publishing, explores the significance of these ideologies not only in shaping public policy, but also in our understanding of reality itself. Whether you’re a political science enthusiast or simply curious about the ideological spectrum, this book is a must-read that promises to provide valuable insights into the nature of our world.

  • Authors: Reisman, David
  • Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
  • Published Date: December 14, 2021
  • Page Count: 256
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Political Science
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. The Conservative Affirmation

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The Conservative Affirmation, penned by the enigmatic political scientist Willmoore Kendall, presents a fascinating insight into Kendall’s foresight on the triumph of conservatism. Published in 1963, this ground-breaking book sparked discussions among academics and political analysts alike.

Kendall’s former student and famed author, William F. Buckley Jr. , hailed Kendall as “one of the most superb and original political analysts of the 20th century, “ but even Buckley found Kendall’s optimism baffling. Throughout the 60s, Kendall was at odds with the mainstream conservative movement, accusing it of being anti-populist and anti-American.

Kendall’s unique perspective on the populace argues that Americans, far from being corrupt, would actively embrace conservatism. This book offers an intriguing exploration of Kendall’s vision, which stood contrary to the status quo of his time.

A must-read for political and historical enthusiasts, The Conservative Affirmation provides an engaging and thought-provoking analysis. With its 434 pages, it presents Kendall’s prophetic insights in detail, revealing an intriguing perspective on the evolution of American Conservatism.

  • Authors: Willmoore Kendall
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published Date: September 06, 2022
  • Page Count: 434
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Collections
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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