Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
Neoconservatism emerged in the U.S. in the late 20th century, emphasizing aggressive foreign policy, strong national defense, and pro-market economic policies. George W. Bush's presidency (2001–2009) is a prime example, marked by the Iraq War, the PATRIOT Act, and an expanded security state. While nominally democratic, neoconservatism prioritizes state power in global affairs and national security.
What it believes
Liberal order is worth exporting at gunpoint if necessary: democracy and markets as universal goods, American power as their guarantor, and moral clarity — against totalitarians, then terrorists — as the compass of statecraft.
The appeal
It took ideas seriously when realists took only interests: the Cold War's dissidents had no better friend, and 'regime type matters' remains its living insight — tyrannies abroad do become dangers at home.
Where it breaks
Iraq: the flagship intervention delivered insurgency, regional wreckage, and a generation's distrust of every future 'moral clarity'. Nation-building by invasion failed its own test everywhere it was graded.
Among its neighbours
The State Capitalist above owns the economy this cell merely arms. The Third-Way Labourite beside it shared the liberal confidence, minus the divisions. Below, the Neoliberal wanted the markets exported without the occupations. Marketward, the Conservative stayed home and shook its head.
Figures — real and imagined — who share the Neo-Conservative (Neocon) base ideology. They differ only on the third axis: from radical to restorationist, each is a different face of a Neo-Conservative (Neocon).
The company you keep.
The social axis (progressive ↔ traditional) splits Neo-Conservative (Neocon) into nine named shades. Take the quiz to find out which one is yours.
- Radical Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Progressive Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Reformist Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Heterodox Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Rooted Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Traditional Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Reactionary Neo-Conservative (Neocon)
- Restorationist Neo-Conservative (Neocon)