Right-wing politics (original) (raw)

In politics, the term right-wing refers to the segment of the political spectrum associated either with conservative-type politics, or more generally with opposition to left-wing politics. See Left-Right politics for the origin and relationship of the two terms. Many don't find the left/right dichotomy helpful, but it forms a very common method of viewing politics.

Today, some conservatives who see themselves as defending society and its traditional institutions and freedoms from what they consider the irrational liberalism or socialism of the left sometimes use the term "right-wing" in a positive sense. Some non-conservative groups also identify themselves as "on the right" to indicate their opposition to the left, though such groups very likely dispute the left-right characterization altogther.

Leftists often use the term "right-wing" as a pejorative term: they interpret the right as defending the traditional power of aristocrats, royalty, established religions and the wealthy against that of commoners. In this sense, the term has also become associated with nationalist or racist movements which promote the interests of a dominant majority, or in the case of South Africa a ruling minority, above the rights of other groups. The radical right has associations with fascism or with terrorism, just as the radical left has associations with communism or with terrorism. Of course, most groups on the left and right tend to vigorously deny any such linkages.

Political groups on the right

One might normally characterise the following groups as on the political Right in their respective countries, though they might have relatively little in common with other Right-wing groups beyond their opposition to the Left.

Australia

Germany

United Kingdom

United States of America

See also

Other meanings

Right wing may also refer to a player's position in sports such as soccer and ice hockey.