Conservatism vs. Neo-Conservatism

Attribute	Conservatism	Neo-Conservatism
Definition	Belief in traditional values, limited government intervention, and individual responsibility	Belief in using military power to promote democracy and free markets
Foreign Policy	Emphasis on national sovereignty and non-interventionism	Support for military intervention and spreading democracy
Economic Policy	Support for free market capitalism and limited government regulation	Support for free market capitalism and deregulation, but with a focus on global economic dominance
Social Issues	Emphasis on traditional values and social order	Less emphasis on social issues, more focus on foreign policy and national security

Definition

Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes retaining traditional social institutions. It emphasizes stability and continuity in society, often advocating for limited government intervention in the economy and individual freedoms. Neo-conservatism, on the other hand, is a more recent form of conservatism that emerged in the late 20th century. It is characterized by a more aggressive foreign policy stance, support for military intervention, and a focus on spreading democracy and American values globally.

Values

Conservatism values tradition, order, and stability. It seeks to preserve established institutions and practices, such as the family unit, religion, and cultural norms. Neo-conservatism, on the other hand, places a greater emphasis on promoting democracy and freedom, even if it means using military force to achieve these goals. Neo-conservatives believe in the superiority of Western values and see it as their duty to spread these values around the world.

Economic Policy

Conservatives generally advocate for free-market principles and limited government intervention in the economy. They believe in individual responsibility and the importance of personal initiative. Neo-conservatives, while sharing some of these beliefs, are more willing to use government power to promote economic growth and national security. They may support policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and increased military spending to achieve their goals.

Foreign Policy

Conservatism traditionally has a more cautious approach to foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty and non-interventionism. Conservatives tend to be skeptical of international organizations and treaties that they see as infringing on American sovereignty. Neo-conservatism, on the other hand, is characterized by a more interventionist foreign policy stance. Neo-conservatives believe in using American military power to promote democracy and combat threats to national security, even if it means acting unilaterally.

Social Issues

Conservatives tend to hold traditional views on social issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and immigration. They often advocate for policies that uphold traditional family values and religious beliefs. Neo-conservatives, while sharing some of these values, may be more willing to compromise on social issues in pursuit of their broader goals. They may prioritize national security and foreign policy over social issues that are seen as less central to their agenda.

Role of Government

Conservatives generally believe in limited government and individual freedom. They advocate for a smaller role for the state in people's lives and emphasize personal responsibility. Neo-conservatives, while sharing some of these beliefs, are more willing to use government power to achieve their goals, particularly in the realm of foreign policy and national security. They may support policies that expand the government's role in certain areas to promote their vision of a safer and more democratic world.