| − | A '''neoconservative''' (colloquially, ''neocon'') is a former liberal turned conservative. Neoconservatives believe that democracy can and should be installed around the world, even in Muslim countries such as Iraq, [[Iran]], and [[Saudi Arabia]]. Neoconservatives were hugely influential in the administration of President [[George W. Bush]], and have lobbied for regime change in Iraq, and for military action against [[Iran]]. Neo-conservatism is characterized by an [[idealist]]ic belief in [[social progress]] and the universality of [[human rights]], coupled with intense anti-Communism; it is based on the view that there is a universal desire to live in a technologically advanced and prosperous society and liberal democracy is one of the byproducts of such modernization. | + | A '''neoconservative''' (colloquially, ''neocon'') is a former liberal turned conservative. Neoconservatives downplay religious values and often disagree with social conservatives. Neoconservatives believe that democracy can and should be installed around the world, even in Muslim countries such as Iraq, [[Iran]], and [[Saudi Arabia]]. Neoconservatives were hugely influential in the administration of President [[George W. Bush]], and have lobbied for regime change in Iraq, and for military action against [[Iran]]. Neo-conservatism is characterized by an [[idealist]]ic belief in [[social progress]] and the universality of [[human rights]], coupled with intense anti-Communism; it is based on the view that there is a universal desire to live in a technologically advanced and prosperous society and liberal democracy is one of the byproducts of such modernization. |