Ordoliberalism and Conservatism

Abstract

Abstract Despite its undeniable liberal core, Ordoliberalism is deeply influenced by conservative thought, as it developed specifically in the German tradition. This chapter explores themes and motives that Ordoliberalism draws from or shares with (German) conservatism, These themes range from the crucial significance attributed to matters of culture and religion to the quest for a normative foundation inherent in ‘the natural’—or rather the naturalised. As will become clear, ordoliberal thought in many of its varieties draws on these genuinely conservative ideational resources, particularly, to make the normative case for its reform ideas. Finally, the controversial link between Ordoliberalism and what is referred to as ‘young conservatism’ associated with the ‘Conservative Revolution’ in Germany is analysed and discussed.