The Concept of War in Neoconservative Thinking

This book examines the theories which underpin neoconservative foreign policy by analysing the historical development of the movement and its influence on American politics. The author chronicles the ascendancy of the neoconservative movement into the highest echelons of the American establishment, making reference to a number of crucial theoretical antecedents that shaped its ideological evolution. Albanese argues that the ideological and strategic aspects of neoconservative thinking are informed by the 'friend-enemy' dialectic expounded by Carl Schmitt, resulting in a worldview which revolves around the concept of perennial conflict. The neoconservative way of war is also informed by the teachings of Leo Strauss, who advocated the dissemination of 'noble lies' in order to keep a cohesive social order. This work contributes to an enhancement of our understanding of one of the most prolific ideologies in American politics.