This thesis critically engages the dominant ideas, beliefs and strategic thought of neoconservative foreign policy intellectuals. Mush has been made in the dominant studies on neoconservatism of the ideological conversion neoconservatives underwent throughout the twentieth century. Understanding this conversion is certainly important if one is to develop an appreciation of neoconservatism's history. Yet this thesis argues that neoconservatism is best understood by critically engaging with a body of ideas and beliefs which should define the neoconservative approach to American foreign policy.