Date

2006

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Social, Behavioral & Global Studies

Abstract

The basic idea of my proposal is to explore the historical background that led to the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, focusing on the underpinnings and reasoning behind neoconservative ideology. The central question of this project is: To what extent has neoconservatism, within a historical context taking into account its origins and evolution, been used to rationalize foreign policy in recent history, eventually leading to the war in Iraq? The analysis focuses primarily on statements of official groups, as well as historical documents and literature that trace the origins of the neoconservative movement. Literature coming from the post-World War II period through the Cold War is analyzed in search of information relating to the development of the neoconservative ideology. The contemporary rationale for policy is analyzed, measured against the founding and subsequently evolving principles of the movement, as articulated by the leaders and those who have supervised the implementation of the philosophy. Research results in qualitative generalizations derived from an archival examination of primary and secondary documents and other media from the time periods of approximately the 1940s to the present. Analysis conducted explores the hypothesis that historical events relating to U.S. policy abroad and the presentation of these events at home have manifested themselves by allowing for events such as the Iraq conflict to take place.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.A.) Social and Behavioral Sciences Department

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