Date of Graduation
12-2014
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
History
Advisor/Mentor
Randall Woods
Committee Member
Patrick Williams
Second Committee Member
Kathryn Sloan
Keywords
Jeane Kirkpatrick, Neoconservatism, Ronald Reagan
Abstract
Dr. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, a leading voice in the neoconservative movement, is best known for her articulation of the Kirkpatrick Doctrine, distinctions between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes that served as the foundation for the Reagan Administration's Latin American policies. Her prominence within the neoconservative movement, her impact on foreign affairs, and her political accomplishments in a masculine environment make her an important historical figure in recent American domestic and diplomatic history. This work explores her transition from liberal democrat to neoconservative by examining her early life and educational background, her publications and critiques of American diplomacy in the 1970s, along with her membership in neoconservative organizations. Moreover, this piece scrutinizes her efficacy as Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations and assesses her impact on American foreign policy throughout her tenure with the Reagan Administration.
Citation
Rowlett, B. J. (2014). Jeane Kirkpatrick and Neoconservatism: The Intellectual Evolution of a Liberal. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2114