Konzervatív

Konzervatív is a term used in several South Slavic languages—Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian and Slovenian—to describe conservatism or a conservative person. The noun forms include konzervativac or konzervativka, depending on gender, while the adjective appears as konzervativan/konzervativna/konzervativno in different languages. The term designates an approach to politics and society that seeks to preserve established institutions, traditions, and social hierarchies, and that favors gradual rather than rapid change.

Conservatism as a broader European ideology emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as a reaction to revolutionary movements and to Enlightenment-era reforms. Core principles typically include respect for tradition, skepticism toward abrupt reform, support for established institutions (such as family, church, and rule of law), and a cautious approach to socio-economic change. Within the spectrum of conservative thought, variants exist, such as liberal conservatism (emphasizing free markets with a limited state), social conservatism (emphasizing moral and social norms), and national-conservative strands that stress cultural identity and sovereignty.

In practice in the region and elsewhere, konservativ movements often align with center-right politics, advocating market-oriented economies, fiscal prudence, and a gradual path to modernization while preserving social continuity. The exact policy mix and emphasis vary by country, party, and historical period, and conservatism may intersect with nationalism, Christian Democracy, or secular traditionalism.

The term is widely used in political discourse to describe individuals, parties, or ideas that favor cautious reform, respect for institutions, and a sense of continuity with the past.