What is progressivism?

Ideology

Progressivism is a political view that rose in popularity in the Western world during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that believed that progress was being stifled by vast economic inequality between the rich and the poor, seeing what they perceived to be laissez–faire capitalism with out–of–control monopolistic corporations, intense and often violent conflict between workers and capitalists, and a need for measures to address these problems. Early progressivism was also tied to eugenics and social Darwinism, which resulted in various policies that favoured certain races and classes over others.

Contemporary progressivism, referred to as regressivism by critics, is characterised by support for or advocacy of social reform that on the surface would appear to have good intentions, however in practice would result in regression to a former or less developed state of affairs. Like previous forms of progressivism, the modern–day form preoccupies itself with issues of race and sex, with identity politics introducing gender and sexuality into the mix.

Followers

Progressives support a balance of both economic freedom and restriction alongside heavy restrictions on cultural freedom. Progressives do not tolerate criticism of their ideology.

Allies

Progressives will ally themselves with socialists, known as useful idiots, for as long as they derive utility from the association. Once their usefulness ends, progressives will betray their allies, often with deadly force.

As they lean toward the authoritarian side of the political spectrum, progressives will view socialists on the libertarian side of the spectrum with suspicion and mistrust. As such, they are less likely to ally with these socialists.

Enemies

Progressives consider liberals and capitalists to be their enemies and seek to destroy them utterly for daring to end the tradition of collectivism that was practiced for most of human history. Progressives will employ entryist strategies to infiltrate and subvert liberal and capitalist organisations so as to destroy them from within.

Location on the political spectrum

Progressivism is located at the centre-top centre of the political spectrum. It is bordered by fascism, corporatism, authoritarian capitalism, conservatism, centrism, social democracy, authoritarian socialism, and national socialism. As it is a mainstream ideology, progressivism occupies more space on the spectrum than fringe ideologies.