Left conservatism: reactionary populism in disguise?

A quiet shift is reshaping western politics. Across Europe, factions of the left are adopting positions previously seen as the preserve of rightwing populists. These movements promise to rebuild national economies, limit immigration, and prioritise patriotism. This new ‘left conservatism’ blends economic interventionism with social moderation, presenting itself as an antidote to decades of globalisation, inequality, and cultural upheaval.

At first glance, it seems refreshing – an attempt to address the grievances of those left behind by globalisation. But scratch beneath the surface, and left conservatism begins to resemble rightwing populism in new clothes. By focusing on immigration and culture wars, it shifts blame for economic failures onto outsiders, ignoring the root causes of inequality.

The influence of rightwing populism

The parallels with rightwing populism are unmistakable. Like Brexit or Trump’s campaign, left conservatism exploits the feeling of being left behind by so-called elites. For years, commentators have argued, not without merit, that the Democrats in the US and Labour in the UK have lost working-class voters by focusing on progressive social issues while failing to address their economic anxieties.

The rhetoric of leaders like Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen or Germany’s Sahra Wagenknecht echoes this sentiment. They speak of reconnecting with the working class, but their solutions often mirror the divisive tactics of the populist right: tough immigration policies, an emphasis on cultural cohesion, and appeals to patriotism. These messages may resonate with voters, but they will inevitably deepen current divisions without addressing the root causes of economic and social inequality. Sahra Wagenknecht defends leftwing positions on the economy, but her rightwing authoritarian cultural preferences (rejection of immigration, ‘woke’ culture, etc.) and her aspirations for Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), Germany’s rising ‘left-conservative’ party, to form a new group in the European Parliament remain shrouded in mystery, as other leftists seem to keep their distance.

Focusing on the wrong problem

One of the most glaring flaws in left conservatism is its fixation on immigration. While it’s fair to acknowledge public concerns about migration, these movements often scapegoat immigrants as a primary cause of economic hardship. The reality, however, is that economic inequality stems from decades of neoliberal policies that prioritised profits over people, gutted industrial jobs, and allowed corporate giants to dominate unchecked.

Instead of tackling these systemic issues, left conservatism offers a convenient distraction. By framing immigration and cultural change – often attacking progressive issues like “woke” culture – as the culprits, it absolves those in power from addressing wealth concentration, stagnating wages, or corporate tax avoidance.

Economic populism without radical reform

Left conservatism also fails to deliver on its economic promises. It embraces the language of economic populism – calling for higher wages, reindustrialisation, and greater support for families – but stops short of proposing truly transformative policies. Where is the call for a wealth tax to redistribute the staggering fortunes of the super-rich? Where is the challenge to tech giants that control vast swathes of our economy and personal data?

This unwillingness to confront corporate power reveals the hollowness of left conservatism. It offers rhetoric without substance, aiming to soothe discontent rather than resolve it. Genuine economic reform would mean taking on the entrenched interests that have perpetuated inequality for decades, but that’s a fight left conservatism seems unwilling to wage.

A reaction to recent crises

It’s also worth noting how much of this movement is shaped by recent crises like COVID-19. The pandemic exacerbated feelings of insecurity and exposed flaws in globalised supply chains, prompting a turn towards protectionism and nationalism. But reacting to these challenges with cultural and economic isolationism is shortsighted. True progress would involve addressing the systemic vulnerabilities that COVID revealed, such as underfunded public services and precarious employment.

Instead, left conservatism clings to a reactionary agenda, offering band-aid solutions that reinforce division. Its rhetoric of solidarity and belonging sounds appealing, but when rooted in exclusion and blame, it risks eroding the very social bonds it claims to protect.

The bigger picture: inequality

The heart of the issue remains inequality. Across the west, the gap between the rich and poor has widened dramatically, fuelling distrust in institutions and resentment towards elites. This inequality isn’t the fault of immigrants or multiculturalism – it’s the result of decades of deregulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, and underinvestment in public goods.

Addressing inequality requires bold action: taxing wealth, reining in corporate power, and creating a fairer distribution of resources. But these are difficult, systemic challenges. It’s easier – and more politically expedient – for left conservatives to point fingers at immigrants or appeal to nostalgia for a mythical past.

A better way forward

It’s not enough to borrow the language of rightwing populism and slap a progressive label on it. If the left truly wants to reconnect with the working class and address inequality, it needs to be brave enough to propose radical solutions. That means tackling the root causes of economic discontent, not just its symptoms.

Solidarity and belonging are powerful ideas, but they should be inclusive, not exclusionary. Instead of dividing people along cultural lines, the left should focus on uniting them around shared struggles and shared hopes for a fairer, more equitable future. Anything less is not a revolution – it’s just more of the same.