What is centrism?

Ideology

In politics, centrism or the centre is a political outlook or specific position that involves acceptance or support of a balance of a degree of social equality and a degree of social hierarchy, while opposing political changes which would result in a significant shift of society away from such a paradigm.

Advocates of centrism espouse moderate political views or policies whilst rejecting extreme or radical views as impractical or idealistic. Most centrists borrow what they see as good ideas from across the political spectrum, often melding them together. Most support market–based solutions to social problems with strong governmental oversight in the public interest.

Centrists, who tend to be pragmatic and utilitarian, are often derided for lacking principles, discernment, and imagination.

Followers

Centrists support a balance of economic and cultural freedom moderated with state-imposed restrictions on both. Centrists oppose political changes which would shift society away from such a paradigm.

Allies

Centrists will ally themselves with anyone in the mainstream of the political spectrum whilst avoiding the fringes. Since they tend to be pragmatists and utilitarians, centrists do not care with whom they ally, so long as they benefit from the association.

Enemies

Centrists consider those on the fringes to be their enemies.

Location on the political spectrum

Centrism is located at the centre of the political spectrum. It is bordered by progressivism, authoritarian capitalism, conservatism, libertarian capitalism, liberalism, libertarian socialism, social democracy, and authoritarian socialism. As it is a mainstream ideology, centrism occupies more space on the spectrum than fringe ideologies.