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Neoconservatism rose in response to what was termed the "Vietnam syndrome," where America's failure in Vietnam led to an international and domestic credibility crisis. This discrediting of the traditional foreign policy establishment prompted a group of former liberals, many with Trotskyist roots, to advocate for a philosophy that emphasized military strength over diplomatic solutions. Neocons believed that the United States, backed by NATO, could capitalize on its military might to address international issues, reflecting an aggressive stance that prioritized confrontation over negotiation.