The Rise of the "Neocons" and the Evolution of American Foreign Policy

This paper examines the rise of the `neoconservative' thinkers and policymakers that have exerted such a powerful influence over the foreign policy of the administration of George W. Bush. The paper initially provides a theoretical context for thinking about American power, before detailing the activities and beliefs of some of the most prominent neocon thinkers. The key argument I make is that the doctrinaire beliefs of the neocons have not only resulted in an ill-judged transformation of American foreign policy, but they have undermined the legitimacy of US authority more generally as a consequence