Conservatism between theory and practice: The case of migration to Europe

This article explores the neglected relationship between conservatism as political theory and conservatism as political practice using the example of recent immigration to Europe. A cursory glance at how European politicians have responded to migration challenges suggests that they roughly divide into an open‐arm, leftist ‘liberal’ camp and a right‐wing ‘conservative’ one. The situation, however, is more complex. This article engages with the resources of conservative theory to argue that there are many distinct conservative theoretical positions for any one policy point. Using contemporary migration patterns as a case study, the findings suggest that Conservative parties have not borrowed much from conservative theory in its variety of incarnations. In fact, conservative theory can buttress a course of action that is generous toward migrants and at odds with the claims of right‐wing populist movements. While certain strands of conservatism imagine a homogenous people, there are others that are no less pro‐pluralism than liberal theories, and sometimes more so.     

On a Bicycle in Beijing

0ther expats here in Beijing have all bought bicycles. One friend who was excited about his new bicycle told me he spent about 2,100 yuan ($300).     

The Euro's Nemesis

Greece’s debt crisis underlines the need for tougher and smarter governance for the euro zone Since the news from Greece of an unexpectedly large surge in its government deficit and debt broke at the end of 2009,there     

Beijing Biking

<正>China is a land of bicycles.At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country.Back then everyone seemed to ride a bicycle.Up and down Chang’an Avenue that runs across the center of the city you would see people on bicycles.Millions of them.And all bicycles were black and would only go as fast as you could pedal.Cars were rare.They were a presence on the busy streets but most citizens did notown one.     

Furling the Flag

Sometimes it is good to be serendipitous here in Beijing. One Sunday afternoon hanging out in the apartment was getting to me.     

The Attachment of Demonstrators to Institutional Politics: Comparing LGBTIQ Pride Marches in Argentina and Chile

Focusing on LGBTIQ demonstrations in Argentina and Chile, we study protesters' attachment to institutional politics, defined as their emotional and attitudinal connection with the political system. We show that Argentine LGBTIQ demonstrators are on average more attached to institutional politics than Chilean ones. This can be explained neither by differences between Argentines and Chileans in general, nor by demonstrators' individual characteristics. Instead, expanding the political process model, we argue that achieving a substantial part of the LGBTIQ agenda in Argentina, and limited success in Chile, contributed to build a stronger attachment to the political system among Argentine LGBTIQ demonstrators than their Chilean counterparts.