Reactionaryism

Reactionaryism is a political and social ideology characterized by a desire to restore a previous political state of society that the subject of the reaction considers to be better than the current state. This often involves opposing social, political, or economic change. Reactionaries typically view the present as a decline from a more desirable past, and seek to reverse progressive trends. They may advocate for the reestablishment of traditional hierarchies, institutions, or values that they believe have been eroded by modernity. The term "reactionary" itself implies a reaction against prevailing political and social currents.

Historically, reactionary movements have emerged in response to revolutions or significant social upheavals. For instance, after the French Revolution, many sought to restore the monarchy and the old social order. In modern contexts, reactionary positions can manifest in opposition to secularism, liberalism, or various forms of social progress. While often contrasted with radicalism, which seeks fundamental change, reactionaryism also aims for fundamental change, but in the opposite direction – towards a perceived ideal past. Critics often associate reactionaryism with conservatism, though the two are distinct; conservatism generally seeks to conserve existing institutions and traditions, while reactionaryism actively aims to reverse changes and return to a past state. The specific historical period or idealized past that a reactionary seeks to restore can vary greatly depending on the context and the movement.