In the U.S., conservatives generally seek to preserve and defend the classical liberal principles espoused by documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the original Constitution. Historically, Canadian conservatives sought (and sometimes still seek) to cultivate an industrious, democratic identity separate from the U.S.
What unites the two neighbors is a common respect for history, culture, and institutions in political decision-making. Justice is of the utmost priority, and change is accomplished not through revolution or chaos, but through orderly, incremental institutional reform.
Latin America certainly has the history and the institutions to support healthy, intellectual conservatism. Though Latin America’s Catholic population is declining, the Church remains one of the region’s most important, common, and enduring institutions.
Historical rivalries, conflicts, and circumstances have forged strong national identities which, if applied responsibly and ubiquitously, could be used to create and enhance civic unity. Latin America has also had no shortage of great thinkers, including Carlos Vaz Ferreira, José Ingenieros, José Vasconcellos, Gustavo Gutierrez, Andrés Bello, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Newton Da Costa.
And yet, true conservatism has never emerged in Latin America.
From the Spanish conquistadors to the cavalcade of caudillos, much of the region has traded one despot for another, with corresponding swings in social values and religiosity. In other words, Latin America has experienced...
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