The ideological foundation for U.S. foreign policy during the War on Terror in the early 2000s was primarily grounded in the principles of neoconservatism and the doctrine of preemptive action. Driven by a belief in promoting democracy and countering terrorism, the U.S. aimed to reshape the Middle East through military intervention, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq. The narrative of defending freedom and fighting against evil emphasized the need for a proactive stance against perceived threats. These policies significantly influenced international relations and sparked debates on humanitarian intervention and its ethical implications.