There's a popular definition of "conservatism" online that doesn't explain the process at all, but does ultimately describe the effect:
"Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect."
And NOW you understand why I've stopped believing in "conservatism" as anything but a stalking horse for fascism. Since the principles are identical and neither is an ideology