[kel varson]

Isolationist

The term isolationist is most often used negatively; few people who share its beliefs use it to describe their own foreign policy perspective. They believe in "America first." For them, national sovereignty trumps international relations. Many unions, libertarians, and anti-globalization protesters share isolationist tenets.

Isolationists…

Are wary of US involvement in the United Nations
Oppose international law, alliances, and agreements
Believe the US should not act as a global cop
Support trade practices that protect American workers
Oppose liberal immigration
Oppose American imperialism
Desire to preserve what they see as America's national identity and character
Historical isolationist: President Calvin Coolidge

Modern isolationist: Author/Commentator Pat Buchanan



Liberal

Liberals…

Are wary of American arrogance and hypocrisy
Trace much of today's anti-American hatred to previous US foreign policies.
Believe political solutions are inherently superior to military solutions
Believe the US is morally bound to intervene in humanitarian crises
Oppose American imperialism
Support international law, alliances, and agreements
Encourage US participation in the UN
Believe US economic policies must help lift up the world's poor
Historical liberal: President Woodrow Wilson

Modern liberal: President Jimmy Carter



Realist

Realists…

Are guided more by practical considerations than ideological vision
Believe US power is crucial to successful diplomacy - and vice versa
Don't want US policy options unduly limited by world opinion or ethical considerations
Believe strong alliances are important to US interests
Weigh the political costs of foreign action
Believe foreign intervention must be dictated by compelling national interest
Historical realist: President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Modern realist: Secretary of State Colin Powell



Neoconservative

Neoconservatives…

Want the US to be the world's unchallenged superpower
Share unwavering support for Israel
Support American unilateral action
Support preemptive strikes to remove perceived threats to US security
Promote the development of an American empire
Equate American power with the potential for world peace
Seek to democratize the Arab world
Push regime change in states deemed threats to the US or its allies
Historical neoconservative: President Teddy Roosevelt

Modern neoconservative: President Ronald Reagan

Courtesy: Christian Science Monitor

[kel varson]

I lean towards Neoconservatism.

[kentuckywildcats]

i'm kinda of in the middle of neoconservatism and realism

[LUconn]

I'm pretty sure that term came from the same place that "progressive" came from. Only progressive is supposed to make the dems sound better and Neocon is supposed to make the pubs sound bad.

[kel varson]

Wikipedia (for what its worth) gives a pretty nice history of neo conservatism. And yes, the term is often applied in a negative sense.

[kel varson]

I'm pretty sure that term came from the same place that "progressive" came from. Only progressive is supposed to make the dems sound better and Neocon is supposed to make the pubs sound bad.

So what are you?

[SeoulFlame]

I definitely would say I am a NeoCon: Teddy and Ronald = Two of our best Presidents

[PAmedic]

derisively called a neo-con by my lib friends, but actually trend toward "realist"

at least, going by the above definition.