What is neo-conservatism?

Ideology

Neo–conservatism is a political movement that advocates the promotion of democracy and promotion of the national interest in international affairs, including by means of military force, and are known for espousing disdain for communism and for political radicalism.

Neo–conservatives generally endorse free markets and capitalism, but it has several disagreements with classical liberalism and fiscal conservatism, with some believing that in order to safeguard democracy, government intervention and budget deficits may sometimes be necessary.

Neo–conservatives believe that national security is best attained through the endorsement of democracy abroad, foreign aid, and in certain cases military intervention. This is different from the traditional conservative tendency to endorse friendly regimes in matters of trade and anti-communism even at the expense of undermining existing democratic systems.

Large-scale military engagements have resulted in mass death and destruction, as well as substantial fiscal burden on the taxpayer. Interventions have sometimes produced unintended consequences such as radicalisation and blowback, as seen with the rise of extremist groups that threaten both regional stability and security at home.

Followers

Neo–conservatives feign support for maximum economic freedom while imposing heavy restrictions on cultural freedom. Neo–conservatives oppose economic regulations unless advantageous. Neo–conservatives do not tolerate criticism of their ideology.

Allies

Neo–conservatives will ally themselves with other capitalists, known as useful idiots, for as long as they derive utility from the association. Once their usefulness ends, neo–conservatives will betray their allies, often with deadly force.

As they lean toward the authoritarian side of the political spectrum, neo–conservatives will view capitalists on the libertarian side of the spectrum with suspicion and mistrust. As such, they are less likely to ally with these capitalists.

Enemies

Neo–conservatives consider liberals and socialists to be their enemies and seek to destroy them utterly for daring to end the tradition of mercantilism that was practiced for most of human history. Neo–conservatives will employ entryist strategies to infiltrate and subvert liberal and socialist organisations so as to destroy them from within.

Location on the political spectrum

Neo–conservatism is located at the centre-top far-right of the political spectrum. It is bordered by state capitalism, neo-liberalism, conservatism, authoritarian capitalism, and corporatism. As it is a fringe ideology, neo–conservatism does not occupy as much space on the spectrum as more mainstream ideologies.