The Reactionary Mind (book)

*The Reactionary Mind* by Corey Robin argues that political conservatives, or reactionaries, are primarily motivated by a desire to maintain or restore existing power structures and social hierarchies. Robin explores how conservative leaders and ideas have historically worked to defend authority, privilege, and inequality, often resisting progressive change. The book suggests that many conservative actions are driven not just by ideological beliefs but by a strategic effort to preserve their own influence and social order. It offers a historical and philosophical perspective on conservative politics, emphasizing a recurring theme of defending entrenched power against transformative reform.