The Myth of American Exceptionalism and the Tragedy of Neoconservative Foreign Policy

10 Pages Posted: 9 Nov 2007

Abstract

This review essay examines Breaking the Real Axis of Evil by Ambassador Mark Palmer (2003) and A War Too Far by Paul Rogers (2006). I argue that Neoconservatism, as a set of ideas and organizing principles, draws extensively on the philosophy of American exceptionalism. In the exceptionalism narrative, Madisonian constitutionalism and a market economy are the highest ideals and the logical end-points of both political revolution and economic reform. In this particular iteration, however, the process of democracy matters less than the outcome, and democracy is valued less as a humanistic ideal and more as a tool of strategic advantage.

Keywords: Neoconservatism, foreign policy, Iraq, war

Suggested Citation

Froese, Marc D., The Myth of American Exceptionalism and the Tragedy of Neoconservative Foreign Policy. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1028658 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1028658

Marc D. Froese (Contact Author)

Burman University ( email )

6730 University Drive
Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2E5
Canada

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