An Idealist Spokesman For Freedom-A Study On Irving Kristol's Neoconservative Thought

Irving Kristol is a famous American scholar, critic, editor, publisher and a leading figure of neoconservatism in the twentieth century, who is commonly known as the godfather of neoconservatism. Kristol enjoys a high reputation in American intellectual world. Although some studies on neoconservatism have been made both abroad and in China, studies on Kristol, one of the most influential neoconservatives, are general. The contents of his neoconservative thought have not been thoroughly explored.This thesis tries to explore Irving Kristol's neoconservative thought by discussing the evolution of his thoughts, his neoconservative ideas as well as his influence. The study follows a chronological order. By reading Kristol's articles and discussing the backgrounds of his writings, it tries to trace the development of Kristol's thought.The study shows that Kristol is a neoconservative who pursues freedom. His transformation from a Trotskyist to a liberal and then to a neoconservative is guided by his pursuit for freedom. However, as an intellectual, Kristol's fight for freedom is idealistic, which in real politics prove to be defectious. Kristol had a great effect on the public opinion. Although after President Obama came to power, the function of neoconservatism began to decline, a critical analysis of Kristol's neoconservative thought historically and dialectically will be helpful for our comprehensive understanding of American neoconservatism and its twentieth-century history.