56 Political Ideologies: An In-Depth Overview

What is the driving force behind the political decisions we (and politicians) make? The answer often lies in political ideologies. In the United States, our two-party system often dominates discussions, but there’s far more to the story. The spectrum of political thought is vast, with ideologies ranging from anarcho-capitalism to libertarianism to democratic socialism. 

In this guide, we dive into the deep well of political thought and theory and look at the different ideologies that help shape local politics, our nation, and the world. 

What Is Political Ideology?

A political ideology is a collection of beliefs, views, values, or doctrines that guide how individuals and politicians alike view the world and believe society and government should run. Political ideologies can vary widely in their focus. Some ideologies emphasize social issues, creating blueprints for how a state and society should govern individual freedoms and civil liberties, while others are concerned with economic problems and explain how money and labor should or should not be controlled. 

Ultimately, political ideologies reflect social, historical, and cultural contexts, so the meaning and importance of different ideologies can change over time.  

In practice, political ideologies influence everything from the laws we follow to the structure of our economy and the distribution of power. By understanding the varying political ideologies at play, we can better navigate the complex landscape of politics and government. 

LEARN MORE: Explore how many political parties there are in the United States. 

The Complete List of Political Ideologies 

While history holds hundreds of different political ideologies, identities, sects, and factions, we’ve collected more than 50 of the most common and prominent ideologies in the world and news today. 

These ideologies are separated into 11 broad categories: 

• Anarchical ideologies

• Authoritarian ideologies 

• Communitarian ideologies 

• Communist ideologies

• Conservative ideologies 

• Fascist ideologies

• Liberal ideologies

• Libertarian ideologies 

• Populist ideologies 

• Progressive ideologies 

• Socialist ideologies

We’ve also included a final category for political ideologies that center around more specific values, such as feminism and environmentalism. So, let’s dive into the specific ideologies that make up each of these categories. 

Anarchical Political Ideologies 

Anarchy stems from the Greek word meaning without a ruler. More than a symbol spray painted on the sides of train cars, anarchism is a political ideology that stands against institutions like the state, viewing such entities as inherently authoritarian and restrictive. Many anarchists advocate for stateless societies and no private ownership of the means of production, though right-wing factions may support private property. 

#1: Anarcho-Communism

Anarcho-communism combines anarchical ideas with communist values. Followers of anarcho-communism believe in the abolition of hierarchies, social classes, and money. They are against private property and advocate for collectively or socially owned items, goods, and services. Some anarcho-communists believe in a gift economy where there’s a free distribution of resources based on individual needs. 

#2: Anarcho-Capitalism 

Sometimes conflated with libertarian anarchism, anarcho-capitalists advocate for replacing government and state-run organizations with private ones. A key tenet of anarcho-capitalism is that society self-regulates, and through the voluntary exchange of goods and services and a truly free market, society can prosper. Additionally, anarcho-capitalists believe in using private businesses and organizations to fulfill the role of traditionally public services, like courts and policing. 

#3: Classical Anarchism 

Classical anarchism is the foundation for anarchical thinking born from political thinkers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It centers around promoting individual freedoms, anti-authoritarian efforts, collective ownership of goods and services, mutual aid as a pillar of society, decentralized decision-making and power, and using direct action to achieve goals. 

#4: Individualist Anarchism 

Individualist anarchism focuses on the self over the collective. In individualist anarchical thinking, the state must be abolished because it infringes on personal autonomy. Individualist anarchists believe humans are rational actors and, with absolute personal sovereignty, natural order would reign true, creating a stable and harmonious society. 

#5: Religious Anarchism

While religious anarchism may differ by religious practice, religious anarchy followers generally view God as the only true form of authority, believing things like the state or sometimes even organized religion as antithetical to the teachings of the Gospel. Some religious anarchists subscribe to the idea that by following the word of God, humans would practice universal compassion, organize themselves horizontally (as opposed to vertically in more authoritarian systems), and craft a balanced society. 

Authoritarian Political Ideologies

Authoritarianism is an ideology that believes in a centralized power that reduces or removes civil liberties, individual rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. The centralized power of an authoritarian regime can be held by a political party, individual dictator or monarch, or a military regime. Countries like The People’s Republic of China are typically characterized as authoritarian due to the extreme level of power and influence the state holds. 

#1: Absolute Monarchism or Dictatorship 

Under an absolute monarchy, a singular king, queen, or dictator has complete control of the state. Absolute monarchism is autocratic, meaning the monarch is the sole source of power and is often seen as having this power by divine right.   

#2: Imperialism

In general, imperialism is the practice of one nation using its power to control other countries. Many authoritarian regimes practice imperialism as a way to extend their control within a region. Some imperialists may believe in a higher power granting them the right to extend their power, like with Manifest Destiny, while others may see imperialism as a way to ensure their own state’s longevity.   

#3: Oligarchy

Oligarchies involve a small group of people controlling an organization. In an oligarchal state, an in-group of politicians, businessmen, or wealthy individuals run all aspects of the country, overseeing the rule of law, the economy, and the military. 

#4: One-Party State

In a one-party, uni-party, or single-party state, one political group controls the government. In some uni-party systems, all other political groups are outlawed, while other systems allow other parties limited participation in a controlled manner. 

#5: Theocracy

Theocracies place absolute and total power in the hands of a God or deity. In practice, a theocracy may be an absolute monarchy where a religious leader is given the divine right to rule and acts as an intermediary, translating God’s will into political decisions. Religious liberties are strictly limited in theocratic societies. Some theocracies outright ban differing religious practices, while others may allow limited and controlled religious freedoms. 

#6: Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is the most extreme and final form of an authoritarian government. Under a totalitarian state, the power is centralized and the public must be entirely subservient to the state. 

Communitarian Political Ideologies

Communitarianism places the community above the individual, believing participation in the community defines and shapes individuals. It emphasizes social ties and social cohesion and is often small-scale and centrist to meet the needs of the community. Organization in a communitarian system may happen around shared traits, history, or geographical location. 

#1: Guild-Based Communitarianism

Based on a system first introduced in Classical Greece by philosopher Plato, guild-based communitarianism involves organizing society around trade guilds, professional associations, and collective workplaces. It emphasizes putting one’s occupational and broader community goals and interests above the individual’s and striving for social harmony through these efforts. 

#2: Distributism

Distributism advocates for decentralized power, preferring small or local businesses to corporations, individual property rights, and widespread control of the means of production. Sometimes described as a third-way economic system, distributism is an alternative compromise to capitalism and socialism. Distributists view property ownership as a fundamental right and believe that productive assets should be owned by as many people as possible, rather than the state, corporations, or a few wealthy individuals. 

#3: Mutualism 

Mutualism is a communitarian and anarchical ideology defined by free banking, free association, workplace democracy, and societal support through mutual aid. The foundation of mutualism rests on the “cost the limit of price theory”, created by American philosopher and social reformer Josiah Warren in the 1830s. This theory states that the costs of goods and services should be limited to the amount of resources and labor required to produce them. 

Communist Political Ideologies

Communist political beliefs center on common ownership and distribution of resources to everyone in society based on need. In communism, there is no private property or social classes, and the ultimate goal is to abolish both money and the state. Practical communist ideologies differ widely, but all share the common idea that capitalism has led to the creation of exploitative social orders, dividing society into two social classes: the proletariat who sell their labor for survival, and the bourgeoisie who profit from the proletariat class’s labor.  

#1: Barracks Communism

Coined by Karl Marx in his criticism of Sergey Nechayev’s vision for future social order, barracks communism is an authoritarian system where people are forced to live and work collectively rather than choosing to operate in a communal organization. Marx believed this system to be an authoritarian and coercive version of socialism, as opposed to his vision of a classless and voluntary society. 

#2: Marxism

Developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Marxism is defined as a socio-economic theory and critique of capitalism. Marxists share a fundamental belief that economic systems shape social structures, and they advocate for collectively owning the means of production to remove exploitation.

#3: Leninism

Leninism is a political ideology created by Vladimir Lenin based on Karl Marx’s ideas. Leninism believes there must be a party of professional revolutionaries. This party will lead the proletariat working class through the revolution, ridding society of capitalism and the oppression of the bourgeoisie. Additionally, a fundamental aspect of Leninism is the creation of an interim state that will facilitate the transition to a classless and pure Communist society. 

#4: Maoism

A form of Marxism-Leninism, Maoism places primary emphasis on the agrarian peasant class’s role in the revolution as opposed to the Leninist emphasis on the proletariat working class. Maoists also believe there must be a continuous revolution to prevent a bureaucratic elite from regaining control and to maintain momentum toward the goal of a pure Communist society. 

Conservative Political Ideologies

Conservative ideologies typically promote a smaller government role in regulating the economy and businesses. Additionally, many conservative political proponents advocate for the preservation of traditional systems, customs, and values. In the West, some conservative ideologies may promote cultural and political systems that serve and uphold things like the nuclear family, property rights, the rule of law, and organized religion. 

#1: Authoritarian Conservatism

A combination of traditional conservative ideals with centralized authority, authoritarian conservatism prioritizes national unity and law and order over more liberal ideals like individual freedom or democracy. Authoritarian conservatism seeks to maintain established social structures and limit political dissent through authoritarian intervention.  

#2: Alt-Right Movement

A relatively new group of political ideologies, the Alt-Right is characterized by the promotion of nationalism and populism and its opposition to mainstream Western conservatism. The Alt-Right rejects multiculturalism and opposes any actions or organizations associated with political correctness or “wokeness”. 

#3: Classical Conservatism

Classical conservatism includes the core beliefs of conservative ideology, encouraging tradition and gradual change rather than radical reform. Those who support classical conservatism typically uphold established customs and moral values and push for traditional respect for history. 

#4: Fiscal Conservatism

Fiscal conservatives primarily focus on economic policies, advocating for limits on government spending, lowering taxes for individuals and corporations, and reducing public debt. Fiscal conservatism believes in free markets, balanced budgets, and limited government involvement in economic activities, encouraging private-sector solutions over public services like welfare.

#5: Neo-Nationalism

Neo-nationalism is a reactionary ideology born from dissatisfaction with the globalization of the late 1900s. The primary values of neo-nationalism center on traditional religious beliefs, nationalism, and heritage, and neo-nationalists advocate for using these as tools to maintain social stability. Neo-nationalists typically reject modernization and progressive social change, seeing these as threats to traditional values, norms, and institutions. 

#6: Neoconservatism

Neoconservatism began in the 1960s in the United States and advocates for an interventionist foreign policy, aiming to promote democracy abroad through military force and strengthening American global influence. Rising to political prominence under Republican president George W. Bush, neoconservatives support American exceptionalism and were instrumental in the Iraq War. 

#7: Paleoconservatism

Paleoconservatives focus on the conservation of traditional values. This ideology is set apart from other modern conservative movements by its non-interventionist or isolationist stance. Paleoconservatism is anti-globalist, anti-modern, and skeptical of immigration. In the United States, paleoconservatives advocate for nationalism, Christian ethics, and a reduction in multicultural programs. Some paleoconservatives may center their social beliefs around issues of race or identity politics. 

#8: Progressive Conservatism

Progressive conservatives support a capitalist economy while pushing for government intervention in areas like human and environmental issues. Famously, Teddy Roosevelt and Angela Merkel have been described as progressive conservatives or have advocated for progressive conservative policies. At its core, progressive conservatives seek to uphold capitalist systems but believe state action is necessary to address human and environmental issues. 

#9: Theoconservatism 

While it shares many similar traits to paleo- and neo-conservatism, theoconservatism is a blend of conservatism and religious fundamentalism. It emphasizes a religious state and advocates for the influence of religion in politics and social norms. Theoconservatives also derive their moral values from their religion. 

Fascist Political Ideologies

Fascism is a far-right, ultranationalist, authoritarian political ideology that typically involves a dictatorship or other authoritarian government that enforces the suppression of any opposition groups, advocates for a natural social hierarchy, and denounces individual rights and interests for the sake of the nation, specific racial group, or political party. While fascism is primarily associated with the political system of Nazi Germany, the first fascist movement began in Italy during World War I, and fascist ideologies have influenced various political parties and governments since. 

#1: Christofascism 

Christofascism, or Christian fascism, is an ideology that combines fascist principles with religious identity, often using religious dogma to justify authoritarian agendas. It advocates for policies that retain religious values in the state and view oppositional beliefs as an existential threat. 

#2: Nazism

Nazism, the political ideology of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist Party in the early 1900s, features support for a dictatorial government structure, extreme nationalism, and anti-Semitism. It promotes racial superiority and advocates for the use of eugenics to create a more ethnically pure populace, often through violent means.

#3: Neo-Fascism 

Emerging after World War II, neo-fascism is a far-right political ideology that shares many of the same aspects as original fascist movements, including nativism, anti-immigration sentiments, ultra-conservatism, racial supremacy, and general opposition to far-left movements like socialism or communism. As the name suggests, neo-fascism adapts traditional fascist principles to modern challenges like expanded globalization and multiculturalism. 

Liberal Political Ideologies

Liberalism strives for individual rights and freedoms while advocating for the use of the government to ensure these rights to all. Liberals traditionally support government intervention to create fairer economic outcomes, promote social welfare, and solve issues like education, poverty, and healthcare. 

#1: Classical Liberalism

Classical liberalism is distinguished from other forms of liberal thinking by its promotion of a laissez-faire, free-market economy. However, despite not wanting government intervention in the economy, classical liberals believe the government is necessary for certain aspects of social life and well-being, such as law enforcement, sanitation, and education. 

#2: Conservative Liberalism

Conservative liberalism typically joins liberal views on economic systems with conservative stances on ethical or social problems. Conservative liberals embrace the laissez-faire attitude of classical liberalism and the limitation of government intervention in social and economic activity but also promote more traditional values in society. 

#3: Secular Liberalism

Secular liberals put the separation of government and religion at the center of their beliefs, pushing for non-religious ethics and secularist values. For social organization, secular liberalism typically abides by the principles of liberal democracy and moral universalism. 

LEARN MORE: Find out whether the U.S. is a direct democracy or representative democracy. 

#4: Social Liberalism

Social liberalism is best understood in contrast to classical liberalism: rather than the limited government and laissez-faire economy pushed for by classical liberals, social liberals endorse a mixed economy and view the government as an integral tool for furthering civil and political rights, social justice, and the improvement of social services. 

Libertarian Political Ideologies

Libertarianism is characterized by the supreme value of freedom and liberty above all else. Many libertarian ideologies center around the principle that anyone can live their life as they see fit as long as it doesn’t infringe upon or violate the life or rights of others. In general, libertarians are against authoritarian states, nationalism, and interventionist policies. 

LEARN MORE: Explore the differences between libertarianism vs. republicanism.

#1: Consequentialist Libertarianism

Consequentialist libertarianism results from a cost-benefit analysis of state actions, like creating and enforcing a free market and protections for private property. Libertarians who ascribe to the consequentialist viewpoint see these state actions as acceptable even if they involve the use of force or infringement on some rights because they create favorable outcomes, like wealth and efficiency. 

#2: Corporatocracy

In a corporatocracy, the federal government is extremely limited, with most government aspects either run or heavily influenced by corporations and their business interests. Corporatocracies can emerge when libertarian principles of privatization are taken to the extreme. A corporatocracy may become authoritarian, such as oligarchies or plutocracies, where only the extremely wealthy have political sway and legal rights. 

LEARN MORE: See if America is a democracy or plutocracy. 

#3: Left-Libertarianism 

Left-libertarianism is defined by its belief in both individual freedom and social equality. Generally, left-libertarians advocate for collective ownership and equitable distribution of natural resources, like land, while maintaining protections for personal property rights. Most left-libertarians vouch for state welfare programs and believe that the state should control the redistribution of resources. 

#4: Right-Libertarianism

Primarily viewed in contrast to left-libertarianism, right-libertarianism, also called libertarian capitalism, sees the free market as the most ideal method to distribute wealth and property. Right-libertarians support traditional libertarian individual social rights but with a capitalist economic system.  

Populist Political Ideologies

Populism is a range of political theories and ideas that aim to promote the common people as opposed to a perceived elite group. Different populists and populist movements define the common people and elite differently, and there are populists at virtually every location on the political spectrum.  

#1: Agrarianism

Agrarianism is marked by a support of farming and rural lifestyles over industrialization and urban modernity. Agrarianism is fundamentally reactionary, formed in opposition to the rise of cities, industrialization, and the formation of a centralized government. Supporters of agrarianism promote decentralized politics, improved rights and sustainability for small farmers, widespread property ownership, and the development of rural areas.

#2: Conservative Populism

Also called right-wing populism or national populism, conservative populism blends conservative ideals and values with a populist message. Conservative populists are anti-elitist and place themselves in opposition to what they believe is the “Establishment.” 

#3: Left-Wing Populism

Left-wing populism or social populism is situated at the other end of the political spectrum from conservative populism. Combining classically left-wing politics and values with populist messaging, such as being anti-establishment, anti-elitism, and purporting to be for and by the common people. 

Progressivist Political Ideologies

Progressivism centers on the goal of improving the human condition through social reforms and advancements in technology, social organization, and science. As a traditionally left-leaning political ideology, progressivism urges for safeguards to human rights, regulations on capitalism, and the promotion of policies that further cultural development. 

LEARN MORE: See what progressive really means in politics.

#1: Cultural Progressivism 

Cultural progressivism advocates for social changes that promote individual rights, inclusivity, and equality. While some cultural progressives may have different opinions on economic policies, they generally agree on the adoption of progressive reforms to address environmental issues, racial justice, and gender equality. Cultural progressives typically embrace multiculturalism, social justice initiatives, and secularism. 

#2: Economic Progressivism

Economic progressives see unchecked capitalism as the cause of unfair economic conditions and the imbalanced distribution of wealth. Through market controls and regulations, economic progressives believe upward mobility can flourish and income inequality will be diminished. Economic progressives may advocate for specific policies like antitrust laws, the promotion of trade and labor unions, and improvements to minimum wage laws. 

#3: Techno-Progressivism

Techno-progressivism views technology as the primary means to achieve a more equitable and sustainable society. Through technological innovation, techno-progressives believe social problems can be resolved and quality of life improved. However, techno-progressives advocate for regulations and policies that ensure technology is used to benefit people and society and allow for the fair distribution of innovations and achievements.  

Socialist Political Ideologies

Socialism is defined by social ownership of the means of production, meaning broader groups, such as communities, collectives, employees, or the public at large, control the production of goods and services rather than corporations or businesses. Socialist ideologies typically agree on the end goal but differ on the tactics to achieve it, with some advocating for revolutionary action and others opting for a more gradual approach through smaller social and economic changes. 

#1: Authoritarian Socialism

Sometimes called socialism from above, authoritarian socialism promotes socialist economic policies while maintaining centralized control of political parties. It often restricts freedoms such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, either to prevent counter-revolutions or to forcibly bring about a socialist society by top-down means. 

#2: Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialists advocate for a socially-owned economy and political democracy. In a democratic socialist system, both political and economic decisions are made by popular vote, and workers manage their labor organizations and workplaces. Democratic socialism believes the state should work to implement these changes democratically.

#3: Liberal Socialism

A combination of liberal ideals and socialist practices, liberal socialism views liberalism as a political expression of human freedom and believes socialist methods can create the conditions for absolute liberty of human life. In practice, liberal socialists support a mixed economy that includes both worker-controlled industry and private business, balancing freedoms with collective ownership.  

#4: Reformist Socialism

Reformist socialism is an ideology that believes socialist changes to society, politics, and economics can be realized through gradual changes to existing institutions. Rather than promoting revolutionary actions, reformist socialists focus on reshaping society through existing legislative and institutional means. 

#5: Revolutionary Socialism

Revolutionary socialism is the idea that fundamental socialist changes to society, politics, and economics can only come from revolutionary actions. They reject gradual reforms, believing that dismantling capitalism and existing institutions is the only path to creating a true socialist society.  

#6: Syndicalism

Syndicalism is a socialist movement and ideology centered around placing control and ownership of the means of production in workers’ unions. Syndicalists believe in using direct action, such as strikes and other forms of protest, to advance workers’ demands and rights. 

Other Forms of Political Ideology 

While many political ideologies are founded around economic or social organization, some are more specific and focus on a singular idea or personal identity. At times, these ideologies may be combined with larger groups, and followers of more specific ideologies may also ascribe to other, more traditional types of political philosophy. 

Some common political ideologies that focus on specific identities and ideas include: 

• Animal Rights Movements: Political advocacy for policies that promote the welfare of animals in society and labor.

• Environmentalism: A social and political movement focused on the protection and preservation of the environment; typically advocates for sustainable policies, reducing human impact on ecosystems, and conserving natural resources.

• Feminism: A collection of socio-economic ideologies that seek to further women’s rights and gender equality. 

• Separatism: Ideologies that promote full political separation of one specific group from a larger group; separatist groups often view integration with a larger community as compromising their ability to pursue self-determination and actualization.

• Technocracy: A belief in placing technical experts in charge of decisions rather than elected politicians.

• Transhumanism: An ideology that advocates for leveraging technology to improve the human condition, extend lifespans, and enhance human capabilities. 

Summing Up the Landscape of Political Ideologies

In conclusion, political ideologies shape how we view the world, from the left to the right and everywhere in between.

In the United States, the two-party system often oversimplifies the wide array of political beliefs, but ideologies span far beyond just those of Democrats and Republicans. Understanding how diverse political thought can allow us to engage more thoughtfully in discussions, vote more intentionally, and better comprehend the complexities of governance. Whether it's libertarianism, socialism, or something else entirely, exploring these ideologies offers a clearer perspective on the policies and actions that shape our world.