Neoconservatism Definition

Neoconservatism is a U.S. political movement that blends traditional conservatism with strong individualism, support for free markets, and an assertive foreign policy. It emerged in the late 20th century, gaining prominence in the 1970s, as a response to perceived shortcomings in both liberal and conservative ideologies of the time.

Neoconservatives are known for advocating the promotion of democracy and national interests through military means, often supporting interventions abroad to advance U.S. values and security. The movement has its roots among intellectuals, many of whom were initially aligned with liberal or left-leaning politics but became disillusioned with the counterculture and social policies of the 1960s. These thinkers sought a return to what they saw as America's core values, such as cultural cohesion, respect for established institutions, and skepticism toward radical social change.

Neoconservatism gained significant influence during the Reagan administration and later played a major role in shaping U.S. foreign and domestic policy, especially under the George W. Bush administration regarding the Iraq War and the broader "War on Terror." Key features of neoconservatism include a belief in American exceptionalism, a willingness to use military power to support international order, and a strategic approach to foreign affairs that prioritizes national strength and global leadership.

Neoconservatives tend to support alliances with democracies, emphasize the moral dimension of foreign policy, and are wary of isolationism or what they perceive as appeasement of authoritarian regimes. While their economic views often align with free-market principles, their approach to social policy is usually more pragmatic, favoring gradual reform over sweeping change.

Overall, neoconservatism is characterized by its initiative-taking, often interventionist, approach to maintaining U.S. influence in the world, its emphasis on democratic values, and its focus on preserving the social and political institutions that underpin American society.

Sources:

Hoover Institute  

https://www.hoover.org/research/what-neoconservatism-and-isnt?utm_source=copilot.com

Cambridge Dictionary

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/neoconservative?utm_source=copilot.com

Oxford Reference

https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100228203?utm_source=copilot.com

New World Encyclopedia

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Neoconservatism?utm_source=copilot.com

Fiveable

https://fiveable.me/key-terms/intro-to-poli-sci/neoconservatism?utm_source=copilot.com

EBSCO

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/neoconservatism?utm_source=copilot.com

Ultimate Lexicon https://ultimatelexicon.com/definitions/n/neoconservative/?utm_source=copilot.com

Wikipedia  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism?utm_source=copilot.com

Britannica

https://www.britannica.com/topic/neoconservatism?utm_source=copilot.com

Merriman Webster

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neoconservative?utm_source=copilot.com

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