Author(s): Anatol Lieven

Philosophy, Politics & Current Affairs

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 Americas role in the world. Lieven contends that US foreign policy since 911 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 politics.