Book description
A controversial and timely exploration of the dark side of American
idealism - and its potentially dangerous consequences for the world.
In this thoughtful critique of America’s role in the world, Lieven
contends that US foreign policy since 9/11 has been shaped by the
special character of its national identity, which embraces two
contradictory features. The first, a civic nationalism or ‘creed’ which
espouses liberty and democracy, sometimes irrespective of the needs and
desires of others. The other feature, Jacksonian nationalism, has its
roots in the defensive White America, and is fed by a profound pessimism
and a sense of personal, social and religious defeat. Lieven examines
how these two opposing impulses have played out in recent US policy and
suggests that, in the Middle East in particular, the uneasy combination
of policies has gravely undermined US credibility and complicated the
war against terrorism.
Drawing comparisons with earlier European models, Lieven offers powerful
insights into alarming elements of the American psyche and their
disturbing implications for the coming century. This hard-hitting study
directs a spotlight on the American political soul and on the curious
mixture of chauvinism and idealism that has been exploited by the Bush
administration. ‘Anatol Lieven’s fascinating and incisive analysis of
American Nationalism...Lieven provides a compelling argument.’ London
Review of Books
‘This is a rich book. Lieven hopes it will help to persuade American
intellectuals to reflect on their own nationalism, as Europeans were
forced to do.’ Independent
‘Illuminating...Lieven draws on his wide reading, consultation and much
personal observation to bring balance, perspective, and historical sense
to what is a rather intricate tale.’ Martin Woollacott, Guardian
Anatol Lieven is a prize-winning British writer, journalist and
historian who is currently Senior Associate for Foreign and Security
Policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington,
D. C. He is the author of three previous books, including The Baltic
Revolution, which was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and the
recipient of two prizes.
