MORAL ABSOLUTES VS. POLITICAL RELATIVISM?

Frank Manuel's book on Western utopias reminded me of the conflict between supposed universal values and particular social structures.  Herder recognized and valued "the deep diversity of values between nations" whereas Kant insisted upon a universal concept of personal freedom.  Some conservatives seem to prefer the latter approach when they discuss the events in Egypt. On the one hand, they prefer a version of Kant's principle modified by their belief in the Free Market Fairy but on the other hand they fear that Egypt may not share our political values, especially when it comes to Israel, and on that basis frown upon the revolt in Egypt.