Part 2: Neoconservatism
“Thanks for the debt, neocons.”
Remember the Iraq War? That was peak neoconservatism—an ideology that believed America had a moral duty to spread democracy across the globe, even if it meant using force. In this episode of Toonsplained, Father James, Joey, and I break down the rise and fall of neoconservatism, and how it differs from traditional conservatism.
Neoconservatism gained traction during the Cold War, when its proponents saw America as the world’s last, best hope for democracy. Unlike traditional conservatives, who advocate for limited government and non-intervention, neoconservatives championed an active, assertive government willing to reshape the world. Think less “hands-off government” and more “hands-on with drone strikes.”
In this episode, we cover:
The key differences between neoconservatives and traditional conservatives.
How neoconservative ideals shaped foreign policy during the George W. Bush era.
Why the MAGA movement rejected neoconservatism in favor of isolationism.
Through sharp satire and hilarious commentary, we explore why neoconservatism no longer fits into today’s political scene. Want to know why MAGA conservatives are grilling at home while neocons are left out in the cold? Watch the full episode of Toonsplained now.
