The foreign policy that has been shaped by neoconservative followers of Leo Strauss bears an uncanny resemblance to the policies of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. This includes suspension of civil liberties in a time of national emergency, creating an image of religious faith, and putting forth ideals to the people that are not held by those in power. It depends upon history to determine if the comparison is only skin deep and if Lincoln, or any president, was justified in his actions during wartime.