“Instead they talk in terms of “national interest,”
The “national interest” is a common term used in foreign policy and national security.
“justifying peremptory action in every crack, corner, and crevice of the world if it serves them”
Interesting could you list these “neo-con” actions in every crack and corner”?
No.
The “national interest” is a common term used in foreign policy and national security.
True. But it is also the focus of the neocons, NOT "national defense" as you stated. They two are different animals that sometimes coincide but often don't.
Interesting could you list these “neo-con” actions in every crack and corner”?
Do your own homework.