order and security Flashcards
the role of the state is providing order and security is a central tenent of conservative ideology , cons believe that the primary function of the state is to
maintain social order and ensure the security of its citizens rather than to seek progressive ends
this belief stems from a recognition of human imperfection and the need for a
structured authority to manage societal relations and protect individuals from harm
this fundamental belief can be tracked back to Hobbes who set out that a strong state is necessary in order to prevent the chaos and conflict in the state of nature as a result it is
necessary for individuals to give up some of their individual rights to the state so that it can provide order and security
in ‘ leviathan ‘ Hobbes set out that without the state in the state of nature , human life would be
” solitary , poor , nasty , brutish and short “
Hobbes also supported the view that the authority of the state shouldn’t be challenged stating that
” the sovereign power cannot justify be questioned or opposed once it has been established “
the state is seen as a guarantor of order , providing a framework within which individuals can live , work , and interact safely . it not only protects the physical safety of citizens and prevents conflict , it also protects
social norms and values , property right and rule of law with significant emphasis on preventing crime and civil unrest
both traditional and one nation conservatives are strongly influenced by the thought of Hobbes and argue that the
states key role is to provide order and public safety
trad and one nation cons argue that human natures inherent imperfections necessitate a strong
authoritative state to impose law and order , preventing societal descent into chaos
trad con Burker wrote in ‘ refections on the revolution in France ‘ wrote
” good order is the foundation of all things “
trad and one nation cons support robust law enforcement , a strong judicial system and a capable defence apparatus to
protect the nation from external threats
this support can be seen in the policies of the con government under PM Peel in the 19th century , Peel often credited with the establishment of modern policing , founded the metropolitan police service in 1839 , this move towards a
professional and organised police force exemplified the traditional con emphasis on law and order as essential for societal stability and was a pragmatic recognition for the need to tackle the growing challenges of crime and disorder
cons belief in a cohesive society can be seen in Peels support for neighbourhood policing which argued that it shouldn’t just be done by force but
through a shared understanding with he public and the police being closely connected with he communities they served
trad con Peel , his famous principle was
” the police are the public and the public are the police “
- highlighting this philosophy
the new right , despite its advocacy for rolling back the state in economic affairs strongly supports
a state capable of providing order and security
this stance from the new right is strongly rooted in their belief that a secure and orderly environment is essential
for the flourishing of freedom , market innovation and individual liberties
the new right views the states role in ensuring law and order as fundamental in creating a
stable backdrop agsint which free market activities and personal freedoms can thrive.
new right rand wrote in ‘ the virtue of selfishness ‘ supporting the belief that the fundamental role of the state was to provide security and order writing
” the only proper purpose of a government is to protect mans rights which mean : to protect him from physical violence “
neoconservatism in particular emphasised the necessity of a strong state in defence and policing , neocons argued for
robust national defence capabilities and effective law enforcement as essential components of national sovereignty and public safety
neocons beliefs are evident in thatchers government during her tenure thatcher prioritised defence and law enforcement in gov spending even in
times of broader public sector cutbacks
while funding for various social programs and other areas of public spending was reduced , budgets for policing and defence were maintained or increased
this policy of thatchers approach reflects the new rights beliefs in the primacy of the sates protective roles , it aligns with their broader view that
national security and public order are paramount , creating the conditions necessary for economic prosperity and the exercise of individual freedoms
thus while advocating for a reduced role of the state in economic and social welfare matters the new right maintains a firm stance on
the necessity of strong , effective state apparatus for defence and law enforcement
