Neoconservatism
Neoconservatism is a political ideology primarily associated with the advocacy of a strong military and an interventionist foreign policy aimed at spreading democratic values globally. Emphasizing the use of American military power to address perceived threats, neoconservatives, often referred to as "neocons," believe in preemptive action to protect U.S. interests. The movement emerged in the late 20th century, with influential figures like Irving Kristol, who is regarded as its "godfather," shaping its core principles. Neoconservatives advocate for steady economic growth, a rejection of the welfare state, and uphold traditional democratic values, while their foreign policy stance is characterized by a clear distinction between allies and adversaries.
The philosophy gained significant prominence during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, especially in the context of post-9/11 security concerns. Neoconservatives supported military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, arguing that such actions were necessary for national security. However, their approach has encountered criticism, particularly regarding the consequences of U.S. actions in the Middle East. While often associated with the Republican Party, neoconservatism's influence has transcended party lines, as evidenced by bipartisan support for its principles in various administrations. In recent years, tensions have arisen within the Republican Party over neoconservative views, particularly in contrast to the "America First" policies promoted by former President Donald Trump.
Neoconservatism
In contemporary political discourse, neoconservatism is usually understood as a viewpoint that advocates for a strong military and an interventionist foreign policy that projects, or even imposes, domestic values onto foreign countries. Neoconservatism is considered a distinctly American political philosophy, and it is associated with support for using America's unmatched military might to spread democratic values around the world and neutralize threats to American interests, even before they occur. The term and its underlying ideology are difficult to define, however, in part because neoconservative values have shifted since the term was first introduced. People who identify as neoconservatives, informally called "neocons," display a wide range of political views and opinions that do not always align. These features lead some to classify neoconservatism more as a sentiment or a general worldview than a systematized school of political thought.
Brief History
American journalist and author Irving Kristol was an influential figure in the early development of neoconservative viewpoints and has often been referred to as the movement's "godfather." A former adherent of Soviet politician and Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky, Kristol once famously described himself as "a liberal mugged by reality." In a 2003 article for the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard, Kristol explained that from a historical point of view, the purpose of neoconservatism was to guide American conservatism, and its mainstream expression through the Republican Party, into a reformed political philosophy with direct applications to the modern American democratic state. During the 1950s and 1960s, this meant disapproval of the so-called New Left, a Marxist-influenced campaign for social and political change that was broadly skeptical of capitalist values. Early neoconservatives redoubled American opposition to the Soviet Union, especially during the 1970s when the Cold War (1945–1989) entered a détente, or period of de-escalation.
In 1973, American author and democratic socialist Michael Harrington became the first to label this emerging form of political thought as "neoconservatism." Kristol's retrospective interpretation of the neoconservative viewpoint, as explained in his 2003 article in The Weekly Standard, stressed three foundational elements: a belief in steady economic growth, rejection of the welfare state, and support for traditional democratic values. While neoconservatism has come to hold strong associations with foreign policy, Kristol stressed that neoconservatives do not actually have a firm set of beliefs on the topic; rather, they are unified by their patriotism, strong disapproval of international forms of government, and clear-cut distinction of allies from enemies. He, like many others, was quick to point out that neoconservatism is a uniquely American phenomenon with no direct equivalent in Europe or any other part of the world.
During the 1980s, neoconservatives gained much influence during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. They lauded Reagan's commitment to challenging the Soviet Union but grew disenchanted when American policy toward the Soviets once again entered détente mode. The ultimate collapse of European communism was welcomed as a great victory for neoconservatism, leading to its adoption of the Project for the New American Century (PNAC) manifesto in the waning years of the twentieth century. The PNAC was signed by prominent Republicans, including future vice president Dick Cheney and two-time secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld, and advocated for continued American leadership on the world stage.
Topic Today
Numerous commentators have cited the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as the defining event for the neoconservative cause in the early twenty-first century. With terrorism emerging as the main threat to American interests, both domestically and internationally, neoconservatism strengthened its focus on international issues and foreign policy. Gaining renewed traction during the presidency of George W. Bush, neoconservatism came to be associated with pride in American military strength and a belief in using that strength to support the global spread of American values. Taken to its extreme, this new brand of neoconservative thinking even advocates for the promotion of a global American empire. Preemptive military action came to be considered justified if it meant stopping a major threat to American interests or containing a threat that poses a risk of spreading beyond control.
According to the contemporary neoconservative viewpoint, the continued greatness of the United States depends solely on the country's commitment to continue being an influential leader and authority figure on the global stage. Neoconservative writers and intellectuals including Jeff Jacoby and Max Boot have also commented on America's unofficial status as the world's "policeman," echoing the belief that the United States should embrace the role, as it is the only country in the world capable of playing it.
Neoconservatives were strong supporters for American military intervention in Afghanistan, which began in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and for the 2003 coalition invasion of Iraq. Examples of the neoconservative worldview at work can be seen in the executions of figures such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Osama bin Laden, all prominent opponents of the United States who were considered to pose serious threats to American interests and security.
Many critics have argued that America's Middle East policies during the 2000s were disastrous and led directly to even greater instability in the region. It is important to note that while neoconservatism is usually associated with the Republican Party, the deaths of Gaddafi and bin Laden took place during the Democratic administration of President Barack Obama. Some commentators have suggested that this may be due, in part, to the PNAC manifesto's de facto status as a bipartisan cornerstone of American foreign policy in the twenty-first century.
Most contemporary political analysts point out that neoconservatism exists in opposition to the platform and policies supported by President Donald Trump, noting that the Republican Party's neoconservative base staunchly opposed Trump's nomination for the presidency. During the election campaign, Trump put little emphasis on increased defense spending and repeatedly voiced his disapproval for the 2003 coalition invasion of Iraq, both of which ran contrary to the stated goals and beliefs of the American neoconservative establishment.
The 2024 election showed a break from the Republican party when neoconservatives such as Dick Cheney chose to support the Democrat candidate, Kamala Harris, over Republican Donald Trump. Trump ran with his continued America first policies, while Harris offered views more aligned to the military interventionist view of neoconservatives, supporting Ukraines efforts against Russia and reaffirming America’s unwavering support for Ukraine. After Trump won the 2024 election, he surprised many by nominating several neoconservatives for his cabinet.
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