Using Table 15.1, how do neoconservatives and isolationists differ? Identify their general orientations. What positions do the two groups take on when and how the military should be used? How did each group view the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An ideal response will:
1, Identify how neoconservatives are transformers who are optimists and view the United States as being in an unchallenged position to bring about changes in other states that will protect American goals and values, while isolationists are maintainers who are pessimists and see the international system as a threat to American interests.
2, Detail how neoconservatives believe that military power is the most important factor in American foreign policy, that the United States should not be afraid to use it, and that America must be able to act unilaterally in dealing with foreign nations to protect U.S. interests.
3, Discuss how isolationists see American military power as less of a tool for striking out at others and more as a shield for defending the homeland; they believe international interactions should be limited to cultural, commercial, and diplomatic ones, as an overactive foreign policy can present a national security threat.
4, Detail how neoconservatives saw both wars as essential to the future security of the United States, since both countries had governments that could be dangerous to America.
5, Discuss how isolationists generally supported the war in Afghanistan, since it was a direct response to 9/11, but saw little value in the Iraq War and generally would have preferred that the efforts made there were instead focused on promoting homeland security.