Liberalism
Liberalism can refer to a number of political philosophies derived from Classical liberalism. In this article, the American political platform referred to as 'liberal' within the United States is contrasted with other meanings of the word, particularly in Europe and in other parliamentary democratic systems.
A distinguishing element of liberalism has been its admiration of autocratic leaders and this explains its embrace of dictators from the likes of the German Kaiser, Lenin and Stalin, through to men like Fidel Castro and his murderous sidekick, Ernesto "Che" Guevera.
—Alan Caruba
Since the definition of liberalism often, but not always, means to advocate for and be open to change, its specific reference depends on specified context.
United States
In the U.S. the word 'liberal' is usually used to describe the platform espoused by the Democrat Party, that is, support of social welfare systems, redistribution of wealth, and government regulation of the economy, combined with a certain brand of individual libertarianism, emphasizing social equality, and (to a certain extent, these days increasingly radical) rejection of traditional Christian standards of morality as a proper justification for law. The economic aspects of this ideology, are to a large extent, a product of the New Deal policies of the Great Depression era, as well as Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society." It also should be noted that Liberal economic and social philosophy has its roots in the teachings of Karl Marx, such as the overall focus on social justice and the outrageous rejection of the Christian morals. It should be noted, however, that Liberals are pretty much all pureblood Marxists; and like their juxeo-Marxist brethren, liberals are just as insidious and dangerous, as they have successfully infiltrated the American society and now threaten the American way of life. The actions of liberals directly resulted in the civil rights and counterculture movements of the late 20th century. It continues to be fueled by various youth movements and the interests of numerous special interest groups. Liberalism in both the Democrat and Republican Parties are the outcome of the judeo-Marxist push in America, and have resulted in near Weimar conditions.
Europe and elsewhere
In Europe, liberalism refers to a political position that leans toward greater individual liberties and less government intervention in general. In short, this is the philosophy closest to classical liberalism and is commonly referred to in the United States as libertarianism. In Europe and elsewhere, then, the opposite of liberalism is not conservatism, but totalitarianism.
Because of this, the terms 'conservative liberalism' and 'liberal conservatism', which are seen as contradictory in the U.S., are not so in Europe. 'Conservative liberalism' simply refers to a less radical libertarian philosophy and is often referred to as 'law-and-order liberalism'. Liberal conservatism is simply a variant of conservatism willing to allow for individual liberties.
The Liberal Party of Australia is the right-leaning party, in opposition to the liberal Labor Party, and is not to be confused with liberalism as an ideology.