| Submit your comments on this article |
| Home Front: Politix |
| NeoConservatives and the American Mainstream |
| 2004-04-08 |
| Americans working and living in Europe are often struck by the preoccupation in defense and security circles with the pernicious influence of âneoconservativesâ on U.S. foreign policy. There is a pervasive sense that American foreign policy is being driven down a radically new path by a small band of ideologues who have virtually hijacked the policymaking process. European defense and foreign policy elites are not the only ones who seem to believe that current U.S. foreign policy is something of an aberration; this view is found more broadly in European public opinion as well. In a 2003 Pew poll, approximately 75 percent of those surveyed in France and Germany said the current âproblem with the U.S.â was mainly President George W. Bush, while only 21 percent said it had more to do with the United States in general. The end result is a dominant opinion in much of Europe that little will be repaired in the transatlantic relationship until there is a new presidential administration in the United States, or at least a marked reduction in the influence of the small group of neoconservative extremists who surround President Bush. Although there are notable exceptions, many European commentators and much of the public are resorting to conspiratorial theories to explain the direction of U.S. foreign policy and somehow overlook the fact that American public opinion runs in favor of the presidentâs handling of foreign affairs. Perhaps more important, however, they overlook the deep historical roots of the current direction of American foreign policy. It is not driven by a âneocon cabal.â Rather, it is that certain individuals associated with the neoconservative label have been particularly articulate in expressing a set of policies that flow from two ideas that resonate deeply in American public opinion. The first is a belief that the United States has a responsibility to spread its vision of individual liberty. The second is that the primary and perhaps exclusive task of the federal government is to protect its citizens from external threats. Whatever the actual causes of U.S. action in any particular instance, those principles loom large in the public debate and shape how and when the United States becomes involved in other countriesâ affairs. article continues |
| Posted by:Mike Sylwester |
| #10 "Bill Clinton actually turned the US into a postitive role model"? Are you on drugs? He disgraced the office and sold us out to the Chinese. |
| Posted by: Anonymous5059 2004-05-30 11:57:43 AM |
| #9 NMM, Pardon me, WHO tried to steal the election? Wasn't it really Al Gork? I think so. And America's been a positive role model for the world since 1776. During Clintoon's "Administration" (such as it was), all the US did was to kick the can of History down the road and be played the fool by the tranzi progressivists. Under President George W. Bush, we've retaken our place as the Leader of the Free World, in the forefront of the WOT and our allies and friends--who are numerous--are grateful because Islamist Terrorism is a problem for all of them. Under the eagle's wings of the USA, they now feel as if they have more than a chance for victory over the IslamoFascists. |
| Posted by: Jen 2004-04-09 2:28:09 AM |
| #8 And after George we had Bill Clinton who actually turned the US into a positive role model as opposed to the war mongering nutz in charge now who have made the US a pariah state like Libya--The GOP's time is up-we're going to take back our country again in spite of Scalia and other Supreme Court justices that like to steal elections |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2004-04-09 1:43:46 AM |
| #7 I lived in Europe when Reagan was in his first term. Demonstration against nukes, cruise missiles, navy warships, and âprovocativeâ U.S. policies with respect to the Soviet Union happened on a near daily basis. I barely missed getting firebombed once outside our base in Athens! Just about every European I talked with told me how we âmust not re-elect that dangerous man.â Well, Reagan won by a landslide, the Soviet Union removed its missiles from the Warsaw pact, the Berlin wall fell, and soon thereafter the USSR ceased to exist. I hope the Europeans are just as right about George Bush as they were with Ronald Reagan. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge (VRWC CA Chapter) 2004-04-08 1:22:14 PM |
| #6 Homer, define collapse. Would an Islamic Theocracy be considered a collapse? |
| Posted by: ruprecht 2004-04-08 11:41:45 AM |
| #5 This brings to mind Martin Amis's comment 'If America didn't exist, then it would be necessary to invent it.' |
| Posted by: Phil B 2004-04-08 10:06:54 AM |
| #4 American foreign policy is being driven down a radically new path Right. Actually DOING something. Europe will love us again when we do NOTHING again. Status quo for the spineless Euros. Vote Kerry. |
| Posted by: Uncle War 2004-04-08 9:57:40 AM |
| #3 Homer, 10 years |
| Posted by: AllahHateMe 2004-04-08 9:55:16 AM |
| #2 In the poll, was there a "nothing is wrong with US" choice? It's like a poll here saying "Will the EU collapse in 10 years or 20?" |
| Posted by: Homer 2004-04-08 9:34:06 AM |
| #1 Well the Novemebr election I'm sure will surprise the Europenas then, since they believe that all US citizens are against Bush and his policies. When Dubya kicks Kerry's ass, I wonder if their tone will change? This time moere than ever it is importnat that the President get a mandate from the AMerican people. Forget the polls now. The Blue States are turning red. (Pa, Fl) |
| Posted by: Bill Nelson 2004-04-08 9:21:02 AM |