Back to the test12AXES
More than one way to see the world.
Twelve scales separate questions that a single left–right spectrum often mixes together.
Economy
EqualityMarkets
Redistribution and reducing economic inequality versus market incentives and private enterprise.
Explore this axis →Welfare
Social provisionSelf-reliance
Public responsibility for basic needs versus individual and voluntary responsibility.
Explore this axis →Civil liberties
LibertyAuthority
Protection of personal freedoms versus wider powers for public order.
Explore this axis →Democracy
ParticipationLeadership
Direct public involvement versus greater discretion for elected leaders.
Explore this axis →Social change
ReformTradition
Revising inherited norms versus preserving established customs and institutions.
Explore this axis →Global relations
InternationalismSovereignty
Shared international decision-making versus national independence.
Explore this axis →Conflict
DiplomacyForce
Negotiation and restraint versus military deterrence and intervention.
Migration
OpennessRestriction
Easier movement and settlement versus tighter entry and residence rules.
Environment
EcologyGrowth
Ecological protection versus prioritising economic expansion when the two conflict.
Religion & state
SecularismReligious influence
Separation of religion and public authority versus a greater role for religious principles.
Technology
PrecautionAcceleration
Prior checks on emerging technologies versus faster experimentation and adoption.
Governance
DecentralisationCentralisation
Local autonomy versus unified national decision-making.