Radical Center (politics)

Radical Center (politics)

The terms radical center (or radical centre), radical middle or radical centrism describe a philosophy as well as an associated political movement and position on the political spectrum. Adherents of this philosophy claim to improve policy and general politics by not harboring a bias toward the precedence of either markets or the state, as can be characterized of right-wing politics and left-wing politics respectively.

Various groups have adopted radical center as a term to describe a philosophy which includes their belief that, in affirming the core principles involved on both sides of a dilemma, the dilemma or disagreement can be rendered moot. The terms radical center and radical middle are often used interchangeably, although the former more often refers to a political movement or current and the latter to a political philosophy. The latter use reflects an emphasis on epistemic virtue, by resolving false dilemmas, finding the excluded middle.

As a relatively grassroots movement, especially in the United States, there is no definitive statement of radical middle politics. A primary recurring theme, however, might be the idea of "sustainably improving choices." As is often the case with centrism, it can be said that the radical middle or center is an ideology broadly analogous with the ideas, principles and values of progressivism.