The Liberal Mind in a Conservative Party: Intellectuals and the Liberal Party of Australia

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Geoffrey Robinson (Deakin University, Australia)

The Liberal Mind in a Conservative Party

Intellectuals and the Liberal Party of Australia

Geoffrey Robinson (Deakin University, Australia)

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English

Routledge
17 June 2025

Social & political philosophy; Political science & theory; Liberalism & centre democratic ideologies; Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies; Political parties

Robinson analyses the peculiarly Australian intellectual tradition of liberal conservatism within the mainstream centre-right Liberal Party of Australia. Conservative intellectuals in Australia have forged a pragmatic, sceptical and utilitarian liberal conservatism focused on the tasks of government. It remains distant both from the romantic and organicist ideas of the populist right and the simplicities of libertarianism.

Focusing on key figures within this tradition, Robinson tracks the progress of Australian liberal conservatism over the years through its origins in the work of David Hume to the thoughts of Peter Coleman, David Kemp and Andrew Norton before moving forward to George Brandis and Gregory Melleuish. The Liberal Party of Australia has appealed successfully to the conservative sentiments of voters in a liberal society. The Liberal Mind in a Conservative Party tells the story of seven intellectuals who helped make this possible. Peter Coleman drew on John Anderson, Georges Sorel and Michael Oakeshott to champion neoconservatism. He argues that this potent political ideology has shaped a distinct political identity, which rejects conservative traditionalism, and libertarian economics, while defending a pragmatic approach to capitalism.

A fascinating read for students and scholars of Australian politics, this book will also be of great value to readers with an interest in international centre-right politics.

By: Geoffrey Robinson (Deakin University Australia)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032432885
ISBN 10: 1032432888
Pages: 258
Publication Date: 17 June 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Undergraduate , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Geoffrey Robinson is a senior lecturer in Politics and Policy Studies in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin University, Australia.