What is the difference between a Conservative and a Neo-Con?

Answer 1

One shade of evil.

Answer 2

The conservative in the best sense looks to preserve and defend the democratic institutions and cultural traditions of the country -they serve as a check to change for change's sake.

"Neo-cons" is a moniker given do a new crop of right-wing idealists who believe that American capitalist and democracy represents the end of history in the sense that Hegel describes history as a progressive and dialectical process. Because of this they view the spread of our economic and political system as inevitable - both through cultural/economic conquest (i.e. globalization), diplomatic conquest, and military conquest (Iraq). This is the manifesto so to speak of the Project for the New American Century and the playbook the Bush administration has been working from.

There is a third category who are equally important. The "pseudo-conservatives." These are the angry, suspicious conservatives who view the country as "out to get them.," And ironically in the name of protecting America will often attack the institutions of the country. They tend to paint themselves as victims of change and view any opposition as proof that "the enemy" (i.e. communism) has infiltrated the government, press etc. and is out to destroy them. Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Savage, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, exemplify this type.

What is scary here is that the pseudo-conservatives are the ones framing the debate in the country today, while the neo-cons are framing policy.

Answer 3

The term "neo-con" is usually used to describe one of two related things.

First, it is often used to describe someone who converted to the "conservative" side after having been a liberal or a socialist in youth.

Second, it is used to describe a sub-sect within Conservatism with their own unique beliefs and goals. Neo-Cons typically believe in a strong national defense to pursue American interests, an active but business-friendly role for the government in the economy, and an active foreign policy.

These two uses of the word are related in that many people who convert to conservatism tend to do so because they believe liberalism does not adequately promote American power.

Neo-cons differ from traditional conservatives in the positions they take and the priorities they set. Traditional conservatives often believe in limiting the government and making the government weak; neo-cons support a strong government to better pursue conservative goals. Traditional conservatives often focus their efforts on domestic policy, especially public morality. Neo-cons often focus on foreign policy, and are not as concerned with issues of traditional morality.

The difference between the two groups is similar to the difference between an ACLU liberal and a labor union liberal. They may share certain areas of common interest, but in many ways they have much different priorities and are liberal for different reasons.

Answer 4

well a true conservative is a person who believes in less government intrusion and less taxes and less regulation... i suppose a neo con is a liberal that just says they are conservative... like the current whitehouse administration. The sad thing is that the liberals today want more government than even the "neo-cons".

PS when talking politics, anyone who uses the word neo-con is automatically considered an idiot... it is a buzz word coined by the far left... if you want to end the stupidity vote liberterian

Answer 5

Well, there are two answers: A neocon is supposed to mean a conservative who believes in:

1. Economics: Cutting tax rates in order to stimulate steady, wide-spread economic growth and acceptance of the necessity of the risks inherent in that growth, such as budget deficits, as well as the potential benefits, such as budget surpluses.
2. Domestic Affairs: Preferring strong government but not intrusive government, slight acceptance of the welfare state, adherence to social conservatism, and disapproval of counterculture
3. Foreign Policy: Patriotism is a necessity, world government is a terrible idea, the ability to distinguish friend from foe, protecting national interest both at home and abroad, and the necessity of a strong military.

However, most people use the term improperly and define a neocon as someone who is ultra-conservative and give it a negative connotation.

Answer 6

well... as people are using the term:

conservative:
believes in keeping the books balanced
believes in freedom and personal rights
believes in more of an isolationist foreign policy, like don't invade other countries unless they directly attack you...

neo-con:
has no care to keep the budget balanced
doesn't mind bending rights, as long as it accomplishes their goals
doesn't mind invading other countries, doesn't even need a reason sometimes...

but the two can share some ideas, like traditional values and religion... so they are both still conservative socially...

this isn't so much my definition though, but only the way many use it...

Answer 7

Bush more closely affiliated with Neo-Cons. They aren't always good. Conservatives started the movement. They are always good.

Answer 8

Easy.
Conservative : Theodore Rosevelt, Hoover, Nixon, Goldwater,
Eisenhower.
Neocon, Bush, Rice, Rumsfeld, Cheney,

Answer 9

Neo-cons are the conservatives who are extremists.

Answer 10

A neoconservative is someone who used to be a liberal.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) -
ne·o·con·serv·a·tism /ˌnioʊkənˈsɜrvəˌtɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[nee-oh-kuhn-sur-vuh-tiz-uhm]
–noun moderate political conservatism espoused or advocated by former liberals or socialists.

Answer 11

Neocons are more open to domestic social programs than striaght cons, and they love the idea of exporting democracy, while some cons think it is a pipe dream.