Fusionism

Fusionism is a political philosophy and strategy, most often associated with American conservatism, that attempts to fuse various distinct or even seemingly contradictory political ideologies and interest groups into a unified political movement. It is most prominently associated with the post-World War II conservative movement in the United States, particularly the coalition that propelled Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan to national prominence.

At its core, fusionism seeks to find common ground and shared objectives among different factions within a broader political spectrum. This often involves prioritizing certain principles or goals that are deemed essential to the overall success of the movement, while downplaying or deferring on issues where significant disagreement exists.

The most cited example of fusionism is the alliance forged between social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and national security hawks within the American conservative movement. Social conservatives, primarily concerned with issues such as traditional family values and religious freedom, found common cause with fiscal conservatives, who emphasized limited government spending, lower taxes, and free market principles. Both groups were united by their opposition to the expansion of government power and their belief in individual liberty and personal responsibility. National security hawks, prioritizing a strong military and assertive foreign policy, joined the coalition based on shared concerns about national defense and the perceived threat of communism (during the Cold War) or other geopolitical adversaries.

Key tenets and characteristics often associated with fusionism include:

• Emphasis on Shared Principles: Fusionism hinges on identifying core principles that resonate across different ideological strands, such as individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and a strong national defense.
• Pragmatism and Coalitional Politics: Fusionists are often pragmatic in their approach, recognizing the need to build broad coalitions to achieve political goals. This may involve making compromises on certain issues to maintain unity and focus on shared priorities.
• Hierarchical Ordering of Values: Different principles and policy goals may be prioritized differently depending on the specific context and challenges faced. For example, economic freedom may be emphasized during periods of economic stagnation, while national security concerns may take precedence during times of war or international crisis.
• Potential for Internal Tensions: Because fusionism involves bringing together diverse and sometimes conflicting ideologies, it can also lead to internal tensions and disagreements within the movement. These tensions may surface on issues where fundamental values clash or where competing interests diverge.

While fusionism has been a successful strategy for building political power, it has also faced criticism from those who argue that it compromises on core principles or that it masks underlying disagreements within the movement. Some critics contend that fusionism is inherently unstable and unsustainable in the long run, as the tensions between different factions inevitably lead to fragmentation or realignment. Despite these criticisms, fusionism remains a significant force in contemporary politics, particularly within the conservative movement in the United States.