Neoconservatism

Neoconservatism is a political philosophy and ideology which combines many traditional conservative opinions with an emphasis on the importance of foriegn policy and using American power to push democracy forward. This originated in a number of places - liberal anti-Sovietism, strong support for Israel, dissent from the left. The University of Chicago philosopher Leo Strauss is seen as one of the foundational figures in pushing forward neoconservatism - believing in noble lies (religion being a prime example for Strauss) which you can tell to get people to act morally.

Post 9-11

Neoconservatism had become especially influential in the United States of America following the 9-11 Attacks. Their greatest disciples in the Bush Administration included the secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, the Vice President Dick Cheney and Paul Wolfowitz who were all at one time or another members of the neoconservative Project for a New American Century thinktank. Their influence waned somewhat as the Iraq War dragged on; Rumsfeld is no longer the secretary for defense and Wolfowitz is no longer directly involved in the administration.