10/04/2006
Murray: Against Relativism
Douglas Murray: Neoconservatism: Why We Need It
Hardcover: 245 pages
Publisher: Encounter Books 2006
ISBN: 1594031479
Rarely is a book so illuminating in countering the prevailing image of its topic. Neoconservativism, without doubt, is seen by the general public as an arrogant, disastrous school of thought. In international relations, neoconservatism is equated with the Bush administration and the foul occupation of and nationbuilding project in Iraq.
As a philosophical argument, however, neoconservatism is very powerful. The relativism of accepting corrupt regimes, hateful anti-Semitism, medieval treatment of women - antiliberalism in general is nasty. As articulated by Charles Krauthammer in his Democratic Realism, US national interest defined as realistic and freedom promoting is, for the US and for the world, a good thing.
First thing one has to criticize is the readiness of the neconservatives to use unliteral military power as a policy tool. But this is what International Relations, Realism and grand strategy is all about; fitting means and ambitions?
Secondly, and most importantly, what makes neoconservative thinking unrealistic, however, is the way they perceive the world to react to Americans using military power to advance these values. Realist expect balancing, neocons bandwagoning. The readiness to use force, to advance 'good intentions' seems from the perspective of the receiving end imperialistic.
There is no doubt that there is evil in the world today as there has been evil in the world always. But to criticize socialists for trying to perfect humanity and at the same time wage war which inevitably leads to large numbers of civilian victims is hollow. Sure, the world is happier without Saddam, but the unnecessary war in Iraq has killed tens of thousands. Realists, disillusioned idealists, see war as an avoidable evil in itself.
Murray has written a powerful and emotional defense of neoconservative thinking. Targeting nihilism and treachery at home and sending shocks to dictators (and welcomed news to terrorists) abroad, Murray might just be writing the manuscript for the 21 st century epic struggle. And battle is what Murray is looking for. For Murray, moral clarity - in the need for a fight against barbarism (like witnessed in New York 9/11) gives courage. For realists, superpower with moral clarity sounds like war. And that is exactly what the neoconservatives are arguing for.
I wonder if anyone of us can live through life without being mugged by reality. For neoconservatives the option is a life-or-death, black n' white issue, to either give in on your ideals or fight back. They accuse conventional liberalism of giving in - they are taking action. The results, unfortunately seem to come out as Realism predicts.
Second Opinion: Amir Taheri / Benador Associates ¶ 10/04/2006 01:47:00 ap.
Douglas Murray: Neoconservatism: Why We Need ItHardcover: 245 pages
Publisher: Encounter Books 2006
ISBN: 1594031479
Rarely is a book so illuminating in countering the prevailing image of its topic. Neoconservativism, without doubt, is seen by the general public as an arrogant, disastrous school of thought. In international relations, neoconservatism is equated with the Bush administration and the foul occupation of and nationbuilding project in Iraq.
As a philosophical argument, however, neoconservatism is very powerful. The relativism of accepting corrupt regimes, hateful anti-Semitism, medieval treatment of women - antiliberalism in general is nasty. As articulated by Charles Krauthammer in his Democratic Realism, US national interest defined as realistic and freedom promoting is, for the US and for the world, a good thing.
First thing one has to criticize is the readiness of the neconservatives to use unliteral military power as a policy tool. But this is what International Relations, Realism and grand strategy is all about; fitting means and ambitions?
Secondly, and most importantly, what makes neoconservative thinking unrealistic, however, is the way they perceive the world to react to Americans using military power to advance these values. Realist expect balancing, neocons bandwagoning. The readiness to use force, to advance 'good intentions' seems from the perspective of the receiving end imperialistic.
There is no doubt that there is evil in the world today as there has been evil in the world always. But to criticize socialists for trying to perfect humanity and at the same time wage war which inevitably leads to large numbers of civilian victims is hollow. Sure, the world is happier without Saddam, but the unnecessary war in Iraq has killed tens of thousands. Realists, disillusioned idealists, see war as an avoidable evil in itself.
Murray has written a powerful and emotional defense of neoconservative thinking. Targeting nihilism and treachery at home and sending shocks to dictators (and welcomed news to terrorists) abroad, Murray might just be writing the manuscript for the 21 st century epic struggle. And battle is what Murray is looking for. For Murray, moral clarity - in the need for a fight against barbarism (like witnessed in New York 9/11) gives courage. For realists, superpower with moral clarity sounds like war. And that is exactly what the neoconservatives are arguing for.
I wonder if anyone of us can live through life without being mugged by reality. For neoconservatives the option is a life-or-death, black n' white issue, to either give in on your ideals or fight back. They accuse conventional liberalism of giving in - they are taking action. The results, unfortunately seem to come out as Realism predicts.
Second Opinion: Amir Taheri / Benador Associates ¶ 10/04/2006 01:47:00 ap.
