Neoconservatives are essentially the CD faction of the Republican Party operating abroad. They believe passionately in human rights, the universality of liberal democratic principles, and the enforcement of international law. All of these, in their view, are ultimately guaranteed, and imposed where necessary, by American military force. Hence, among other interventions, the Iraq War.
“America First” is just about a perfect negation of neoconservative ideas. Trump does not give a fig about human rights. Instead of promoting democracy, he openly embraces strongmen, who, in his opinion, provide more stability and are more reliable negotiating partners than elected leaders. He thinks the rule of law, both at home and abroad, is for chumps, and only money and power matter. He believes America’s liberal democratic “allies” are just rip-off artists who should pay more for their protection. Hence, his contempt for Angela Merkel, and his open affection for Putin, Xi, and Kim.
Neocons are among Trump’s most vocal opponents. Does that translate into support for the Democrats? Not necessarily; they worry about potential Democratic nominees who are unwilling to bear any burden and pay any price to maintain liberal democratic principles abroad. To a neocon, these people are just left-wing versions of Trump.
Are they? There is plenty of middle ground for the Democrats here; I call it the “Obama consensus.” More on that in the coming weeks.