Past U.S. presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson have been described as liberal hawks for their roles in bringing about America's status as the world's premier military power. The Clinton Doctrine can also be considered as consistent with this vision. Today the term is most frequently used to describe liberals who supported or still support the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, which was authorized by the United States Congress and ordered by president George W. Bush. The invasion was controversial among all political sides. In December 2002, American liberals were conflicted over whether or not going to war in Iraq was the correct decision; some felt that they should support the war, in accordance with their philosophy of liberal internationalism, i.e. support of military intervention.[1]
Political scientists argue that liberals tend to be hawkish to counter criticism and accusations by conservatives of being "soft" and having a tendency of appeasing foreign adversaries. Others argue that they are driven by Wilsonian idealism to reshape the world in their image.
Opposition to the Sunshine Policy
The Sunshine Policy is the dovish foreign policy with North Korea of South Korean liberals, in which President Donald Trump has also expressed support,[4] but the Washington establishment consisting of liberals and conservatives alike oppose their policy and support a more hawkish stance toward North Korea,[5] creating a conflict with South Korean liberals.[6]
Despite being a liberal, President Barack Obama opposed the Sunshine Policy and preferred a more hawkish foreign policy of "strategic patience".[7]
The hostile diplomatic approach towards North Korea has made South Korea liberals prefer Donald Trump diplomatically, who is more transactional in nature in his dealings with North Korea. However, South Korean conservatives, who are more pro-American support the liberal hawks approach. In the 2020 United States presidential election, Hong Joon-pyo, known as a "Korean Trumpist",[8] supported Joe Biden.[9] The current president of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol, dubbed the "K-Trump" in South Korean media, defended President Joe Biden's policy toward North Korea and opposing the new Sunshine Policy approach of Donald Trump and South Korean liberals. In contrast, South Korean liberals Moon Chung-in and Kim Ou-joon supported Donald Trump's Sunshine Policy.[6][10]
Notable people
The list includes people who have been described as liberal hawks.
^""트럼프, 미국판 '햇볕정책' 보여줘...4차회담은 8~9월"" [Donald Trump supports the American version 'Sunshine policy'. The fourth round of talks will take place in August or September.]. 노컷뉴스. July 1, 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
^"홍준표 "위장평화쇼 트럼프 시대 저물어…문재인 정권 심판받을 차례"" [Hong Joon-pyo said, "The era of Trump based on the camouflage peace show is over. Therefore, the Moon Jae-in regime [who was diplomatically friendly to Trump when Trump supported pro-North Korea foreign policy] will be judged".]. 머니투데이. November 6, 2020. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
^"김어준 "바이든 찍으면 미북 정상회담 못 봐" 황당방송" [Kim Ou-joon said, "If [Americans] vote Biden, [Korean] can't see the North Korea–United States summit", it is absurd remark broadcasting.]. 조선일보. August 8, 2020. Retrieved 2023-03-21.