Once a defining principle of conservative economic policy, free-market ideology is losing ground. Traditionally, conservatives championed lower taxes, deregulation, and smaller government, but recent shifts suggest a growing embrace of protectionism, industrial policy, and government intervention. This change reflects broader political realignments and economic challenges, including concerns over globalization and national security. The shift raises questions about the future of conservative economic thought and its impact on policy-making. As free-market conservatives become rarer, the ideological landscape of the right continues to evolve.
