Final answer:
Conservatives aiming to protect autocracy most often took initiatives to preserve traditional power structures. These initiatives focused on maintaining the status quo rather than embracing changes that promote democratic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the student's query on which initiatives were taken by conservatives to protect autocracy, the correct answer is d) Preserving traditional power structures. Conservatives aiming to safeguard autocracy would typically focus on maintaining established hierarchies and institutions rather than promoting more democratic approaches such as a free press or increased civic participation. By preserving traditional power structures, these conservatives ensure continuity and prevent the disruptions that democratic reforms might bring. They often view changes that could disrupt the existing social order with suspicion.
For example, when looking at the historical context after the Cold War, we find a shift with many authoritarian regimes increasingly focusing on economic policies to maintain control. At the same time, some developed democratic nations might prioritize other agendas such as helping industries stay strong or advancing national defense, rather than broadening democracy. Another notable perspective in conservative circles is the intellectual shift reflected in journals like the National Review, which has oscillated in its stances on civil rights issues and federal power, often stressing the limit of government intervention in line with the theories of Friedrich Hayek.