# Neoconservatism
Who / What
Neoconservatism is a political movement that blends traditional political and social conservatism with individualist principles, qualified support for free markets, and an assertive advocacy of democracy and national interests—often through military intervention. It emerged as a reaction against the liberal policies and countercultural shifts of the 1960s.
Background & History
Neoconservatism originated in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s among former liberals who grew disillusioned with the Democratic Party, the New Left, and the counterculture movements of the Vietnam War era. Initially rooted in intellectual circles, it gained traction as a political force amid economic challenges like stagflation and shifting ideological landscapes. Key milestones include its institutionalization through think tanks (e.g., *The American Enterprise Institute*) and growing influence during Republican administrations from the 1960s onward.
Why Notable
Neoconservatism became politically dominant in the early 2000s under George W. Bush’s presidency, shaping foreign policy debates—particularly around interventions like the Iraq War (2003). Its advocacy for strong national defense, democratic promotion, and market-driven solutions cemented its role as a defining ideological current of the post-Cold War era. Critics and supporters alike debate its legacy in shaping modern geopolitics.
In the News
While neoconservatism remains influential among some conservative policymakers and think tanks, its prominence has waned since the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent decline of Republican majorities. Recent debates center on its historical role in justifying military interventions (e.g., Iraq War) and its evolving relevance amid shifting global dynamics, including tensions with Russia and China.
