The word "neocon" is a contraction of "neoconservative", referring to a political ideology that emphasizes a strong foreign policy, economic liberalism, and social conservatism. The spelling of "neocon" follows a common pattern in English of combining a prefix (in this case, "neo-", meaning "new") with a root word to create a new word. The IPA transcription of "neocon" is /niːoˌkɒn/, where the stress falls on the first syllable and the "-con" ending is pronounced as /ˌkɒn/ (rhyming with "gone").
Neocon is a term derived from the abbreviation of "neo-conservative," referring to a faction of political ideology associated with a particular school of thought within conservatism. Generally, a neocon can be defined as a person who advocates for a robust and interventionist American foreign policy and embraces a strong and assertive approach in promoting democracy and American values around the world.
Neoconservatives often prioritize a proactive approach to international affairs, including the potential use of military force to address perceived threats to national security and promote American interests. They advocate for the idea of using American power and influence to advance democracy and freedom worldwide, often emphasizing America's exceptionalism and moral responsibility.
The neoconservative movement rose to prominence during the late 20th century, particularly in the aftermath of the Cold War. Neocons tend to reject isolationism or non-interventionist foreign policy approaches, instead favoring an active engagement in global affairs. They argue for a strong military, close relationships with allies, and the use of force to protect national security.
Critics of neoconservatism argue that their approach can lead to an overly interventionist and militaristic foreign policy, sometimes lacking sufficient consideration of the potential consequences. However, proponents argue that their perspective promotes American values and security, and ensures that the United States remains a dominant force in international affairs.
The word "neocon" is a short form of "neoconservative". The term originated in the late 20th century and is a blend of "neo-" meaning new or revived, and "conservative" referring to a political philosophy that promotes traditional values and limited government intervention. "Neocon" is often used to describe individuals who advocate for a more interventionist and assertive approach to foreign policy, particularly in the realm of American politics. The term gained prominence during the 1970s and 1980s, but its precise etymology and earliest usage can vary depending on the source.