What's Right?: The Future of Conservatism in Australia

Quarterly Essay #37

by Waleed Aly

Where did the Right go wrong? With the departure of George W. Bush and John Howard, conservative parties in the US and Australia entered a period of turmoil. Foreign affairs, economics, the environment – all were issues to be avoided. Most profoundly, conservatives no longer seemed to have a compelling vision of the future – and arguably still don’t. How did the Right end up in this state? How might conservatism renew itself?

In this illuminating essay, Waleed Aly begins by unravelling the terms “Right” and “Left,” arguing that these have become meaningless. He contends that conservative parties have backed themselves into a corner by embracing free-market extremism, and that an illiberal social politics – including prescribing who or what is Australian – is not the answer, electorally tempting though it may be.

Aly discusses what a better conservatism might look like. He predicts that the key issues of the day, such as climate change and the financial crisis, mean a reactionary brand of politics is unlikely to work because public opinion is swiftly leaving it behind. He draws on the work of conservative thinkers, past and present, to sketch the kind of conservatism that seems scarce in Australia, but which would be a welcome presence here. This is a supple, clear and original argument for political change.

“Our political discourse is drenched in Left and Right because it is so deeply impoverished. These terms are the hallmark of a political conversation that is obsessed with teams and uninterested in ideas.”
Waleed Aly, What's Right?

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Essays, Australia, Philosophy

141 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2010

About the author

Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author and academic. His social and political commentary has produced an award-winning book and multiple literary short-listings, and appears in newspapers such as The Guardian, The Australian, The Sunday Times of India, The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is the author of What’s Right? The Future of Conservatism in Australia. His debut book, People Like Us: How Arrogance is Dividing Islam and The West (Picador, 2007), was shortlisted for several awards including the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and for Best Newcomer at the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards.

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently watched Waleed talked about this at The Wheeler Centre before reading the essay which now I would say I enjoyed that more. (It may not be fair to compare them so as he was asked questions by the audience and his interviewer so it was always going to address broader topics etc)

Waleed gives a competent brief history of conservatism, liberalism and their place in the post-modern setting and what their descendants neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism have lead us to.
For an essay that's sub-title is the future of conservatism in Australia it surprisingly does not offer quite that much on that subject. It is much more about the present (or rather Aly's present at the time, 2010) but that is okay.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This long-form essay is an amazing political education. Cast your beliefs about Waleed Aly aside and delve into the most objective history of conservatism and neo-liberalism that is on offer. Required reading for all political philosophy students.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a conservative I had only heard about Waleed Aly and his show The Project in a negative light. Figured he was just an ultra-modern, unprincipled Muslim SJW type and ignored him. This, however, interested me: an apparently obnoxious leftist exploring conservatism in a way that seemed inquisitive and considered rather than biased and agenda-driven. This was indeed the case; I was not disappointed. Aly, whatever his more progressive ideas may be, contributes a very well-written essay to this respectable political publication. Largely a critique of modern conservatism's neoliberal trappings, Aly actually acknowledges the importance of true conservative policy and pragmatism. His issue is mainly with neoliberal politics and its inconsistencies with actual conservative values such as family and Judeo-Christian morality.

Despite my expectations, this book didn't annoy me. Aly is the type of person one can easily forget is on the side of the left (much as he himself would disagree with such arbitrary groupings). If people on both sides of the spectrum would get their heads out of their ass and listen to those with sense and respect for civility rather than the losers that scream and cry about non-issues we would all be better off.

[Benjamin Cronshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic essay about conservative values, namely where conservatism has been distorted from its true basis. The alliance between conservatism and neoliberalism, for example, is contradictory, as the unrestrained market can disrupt families and cause environmental degradation (sustainability should be a conservative value). Also includes insightful analysis about the debate in Australia about multiculturalism/immigration and climate change. Reading through them the Quarterly Essays in order, this is my favourite so far (along with 11 “Whitefella Jump Up” and 19 “Relaxed and Comfortable”).

[hayls 🐴 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really could've used this in my economic geography subject as an essay reference six years ago... ah well

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waleed Aly presents a fascinating and clear analysis of the move from conservatism to neo-liberal economics and neo-conservatism in Australian politics. He skilfully shows the inherent contradictions of being conservative but pushing for broad sweeping, ideological reform. Of particular interest is the ways in which the foundation philosophy of individual liberty has changed and is at odds with the current "right" ideology. Aly's narrative is straightforward and his analysis is engaging. Recommended reading for anyone who has ever wondered why the Liberal Party can be so darn illiberal on many issues.

[Aaron Michaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waleed Aly is a deep thinker and amazing communicator. This essay is an insightful short history of modern conservatism, and its transformation into the current paradoxical combination of neoliberalism and neoconservatism. Whether you are politically left or right, this short book is for you if you believe that right-wing politics has become ungrounded, and you want to see some sanity return in the form of the traditional conservatism that eschews radical transformative ideologies, and embraces gentle organic change.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and highly intellectual analysis of the history and current state of political conservatism, with a particular focus on Australia.

I'm sure a lot of this book is lost on me, and would find a much stronger audience for students of political philosophy, but I managed to keep up.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Aly sketches out the political landscape of left and right and shows the similarities and differences between the Australian Liberal Party, conservatives, neoliberals, and neoconservatives. He then critiques the various positions in relation to multiculturalism and environmental issues. Very useful, Aly is a clear thinker and an excellent communicator.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased, but this is one of the finest accounts of traditional conservatism that I have read. Waleed Ali proves once again that he is well on the way to becoming one of the most prominent thinkers in our community. I highly recommend this book.

[Melita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and thought-provoking. Waleed Aly's ruminations on conservatism are the sort of measured discussion that is so important as so-called 'conservatism' gains ground in various countries.