Neoconservatism

Definition

Neoconservatism is a political ideology that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century. It emphasizes a hawkish foreign policy, support for free-market capitalism, and a skepticism of social welfare programs and progressive reforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoconservatism emerged as a reaction against the perceived failures of liberal policies and the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
2. Neoconservatives advocated for a robust U.S. foreign policy, including the use of military force to promote American interests and democratic values abroad.
3. Neoconservatives supported free-market capitalism and opposed government regulation, believing that the private sector could better address economic and social issues.
4. Neoconservatives aligned with the religious right and the Moral Majority, embracing traditional social values and opposing progressive reforms such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ equality.
5. Neoconservative ideas were influential in shaping the domestic and foreign policies of the Reagan administration and the George W. Bush administration.

Review Questions

• Explain how neoconservatism influenced the Reagan Revolution in the 1980s.
  • Neoconservative ideas were central to the Reagan Revolution, as the Reagan administration embraced many neoconservative principles. This included a hawkish foreign policy that sought to confront the Soviet Union, support for free-market capitalism and deregulation, and a skepticism of social welfare programs. The Reagan administration's emphasis on traditional values and moral issues also aligned with the neoconservative agenda, as seen in its support for the Moral Majority and its opposition to progressive social reforms.
• Analyze the relationship between neoconservatism and the political and cultural fusions of the late 20th century.
  • Neoconservatism was part of a broader political and cultural fusion that occurred in the late 20th century, as conservative and religious groups coalesced to form a powerful political force. Neoconservatives aligned with the Moral Majority and other conservative Christian movements, sharing their opposition to social liberalism and their embrace of traditional values. This fusion of political and cultural conservatism was a key factor in the rise of the Republican Party and the shift towards more conservative policies during this period, as seen in the Reagan Revolution and the subsequent presidencies of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of neoconservatism on American politics and society.
  • Neoconservatism has had a lasting impact on American politics and society, shaping the direction of the Republican Party and influencing foreign and domestic policy for decades. The neoconservative emphasis on a robust U.S. foreign policy and the use of military force has been a driving force behind many of the nation's military interventions, from the Gulf War to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, neoconservative ideas have contributed to the erosion of the social safety net, the deregulation of industries, and the promotion of traditional social values. While neoconservatism has faced criticism and waned in influence in recent years, its legacy continues to shape the political landscape and the ongoing debates over the role of government, the economy, and America's place in the world.

Related terms

Reaganism: The political philosophy and economic policies associated with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which aligned with many neoconservative principles.

Neoliberalism: An economic and political ideology that promotes free-market capitalism, privatization, and reduced government intervention in the economy.

Moral Majority: A politically active conservative Christian movement that emerged in the late 1970s and aligned with neoconservative values.