Neoconservatism

Definition

Neoconservatism is a political ideology that emerged in the United States in the 1970s, characterized by a hawkish foreign policy, a strong emphasis on traditional social values, and a belief in the power of free-market capitalism. It represents a rightward shift from traditional conservatism, with a focus on promoting American global dominance and a more interventionist approach to international affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoconservatives believe in the use of American military power to promote democracy and American interests abroad, often advocating for preemptive military action.
2. Neoconservatives are highly critical of multilateral institutions and international agreements, preferring unilateral action and a more assertive American foreign policy.
3. Neoconservatives are generally supportive of free-market capitalism and oppose government intervention in the economy, with the exception of strong national defense spending.
4. Neoconservatives often align with traditional social conservatives on issues such as abortion, traditional family values, and the role of religion in public life.
5. Prominent neoconservative thinkers and politicians include Irving Kristol, William Kristol, Paul Wolfowitz, and Dick Cheney.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of neoconservatism and how they differ from traditional conservatism.
  • Neoconservatism represents a rightward shift from traditional conservatism, with a stronger emphasis on an assertive, interventionist foreign policy, a belief in American exceptionalism and the use of military power to promote democracy and American interests abroad. Neoconservatives also tend to be more supportive of free-market capitalism and less inclined towards government intervention in the economy, with the exception of increased defense spending. In contrast, traditional conservatism is more focused on cultural preservation, non-interventionist foreign policy, and a more cautious approach to economic issues.
• Explain how neoconservatism relates to the concept of political culture and how it shapes the way people express their political identity.
  • Neoconservatism, as a distinct political ideology, has significantly influenced the political culture in the United States, particularly among certain segments of the population. Neoconservatives often see themselves as defenders of traditional American values and the country's global leadership role, which shapes how they engage with and express their political identity. This can manifest in strong support for a muscular foreign policy, a distrust of multilateral institutions, and a belief in the superiority of American institutions and the free-market system. The neoconservative worldview has become a central part of the political culture for many on the political right, shaping their political views, voting patterns, and civic engagement.
• Analyze the relationship between neoconservatism and the broader context of contemporary ideologies further to the political right, and how this positioning influences its impact on the political landscape.
  • Neoconservatism, as a contemporary ideology further to the political right, has a complex relationship with other right-wing ideologies, such as paleoconservatism and neoliberalism. While neoconservatives share some common ground with traditional conservatives, their more assertive foreign policy, support for free-market capitalism, and embrace of American exceptionalism set them apart. Neoconservatism's positioning on the political spectrum, with its combination of hawkish foreign policy and economic libertarianism, has made it a influential force within the broader conservative movement, shaping the discourse and policy agenda on issues ranging from national security to economic policy. This ideological positioning has allowed neoconservatives to wield significant influence, particularly during periods of Republican control of the government, and has contributed to the polarization of the political landscape in the United States.

Related terms

Paleoconservatism: A more traditional form of conservatism that emphasizes cultural preservation, non-interventionist foreign policy, and a skepticism of free-market economics.

Neoliberalism: An economic ideology that promotes free-market capitalism, privatization, and deregulation as the primary means of achieving economic growth and social progress.

American Exceptionalism: The belief that the United States is uniquely superior to other nations, with a special role and responsibility in the world.