西方政治理论主题的当代演变——从自由、平等向保守的退却

Contemporary Evolution of Themes of Western Political Theory——From Liberty and Equality to Conservatism

二战以后,因为冷战的需要以及自由市场经济的固有缺陷,以公正和平等为核心价值的正义原则逐步取代自由,成为西方政治理论关注的焦点。随着冷战的结束,在西方国内多元文化的背景下,平等的诉求从经济向文化领域转移,“承认的政治”理论异军突起。然而,当前美英等国政治实践的右转倾向预示着保守主义政治思潮复苏的可能。虽然保守主义是对当代自由主义各种激进主张的纠偏,但当它延伸至国际关系领域时,其反全球化等负面效应也是不容忽视的。

After the Second World War, because of the cold war and the inherent defect of market economy, the theme of western political theory was turned from liberty to justice principle based on fairness and equality. With the end of cold war, multiculturalism became a new wave in western countries, and the appeal of equality has shifted from the sphere of economy to culture and identity. The Politics of Recognition came to the front of political dispute. In contemporary politics, western countries such as US and UK’s turning right indicates the reviving of conservatism. Conservatism intends to correct the mistakes of radical liberalism, but it also causes some negative results of anti-globalization when applied to international relations.