The british have been brutal in pursuit of their particular "interests", in times of Empire as well as Commonwealth. Death squads, aka Protestant paramilitaries were well known to be used by MI5 and any of the other spook shows advancing their own right wing supporting British interests. Even during the 80s.

France blew up the Rainbow Warrior using a version of this Exceptionalism.

America, as the latest and biggest Imperial bully on the block, is in the middle of that phase where such ideas are almost unchallengable. Many in such a cultural climate would just think it's common sense, it's how you protect yourslef. And it is to america's credit that there are a number of voices raised against such behaviour.

But the neocons didn't invent the tactic. Every empire uses it. Neocon is just the name we give to the group currently justifying it.

keep to the Fen Causeway