THE POLITICAL ATLAS
A world of ideas.
Political thought is bigger than two parties. Explore 36 schools of thought, see what they value, and find the distinctions that a single label can miss.
TWO AXES. MANY POSSIBILITIES.
CONCENTRATED AUTHORITY ↑
Collective order
Market order
Shared freedom
Individual freedom
Classical liberalismVoluntaryismSocial democracyLibertarian socialismAnarcho-communismState socialismConservatismAuthoritarian capitalism ← COMMON OWNERSHIPPRIVATE MARKETS →
↓ DECENTRALIZED LIBERTY
Social liberalism
Civil liberties and a market economy, with public services and regulation intended to make freedom and opportunity accessible.
Economic ownership: Private ownershipPolitical authority: Dispersed powerSocial autonomy: Pluralism & autonomyMutual obligation: Collective provisionAcross borders: International opennessEcological trade-offs: Restraint & precaution
Each dot is an approximate reference point. The map shows ownership and authority; the other four dimensions add context. Traditions overlap and disagree internally. These positions are editorial interpretations.
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Showing 36 schools of thought.