The myth of American exceptionalism

Resource Information

The work The myth of American exceptionalism represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Sydney Jones Library, University of Liverpool. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The myth of American exceptionalism

Statement of responsibility

Godfrey Hodgson

Creator

• Hodgson, Godfrey

Subject

• National characteristics, American
• Nationalism -- United States
• United States -- Civilization
• United States -- Foreign relations
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1989-
• United States -- Politics and government -- 1989-
• Exceptionalism -- United States

Language

eng

Summary

The idea that the United States is destined to spread its unique gifts of democracy and capitalism to other countries is dangerous for Americans and for the rest of the world, warns Godfrey Hodgson in this provocative book. Hodgson, a shrewd and highly respected British commentator, argues that America is not as exceptional as it would like to think; its blindness to its own history has bred a complacent nationalism and a disastrous foreign policy that has isolated and alienated it from the global community. Tracing the development of America's high self regard from the early days of the republic to the present era, Hodgson demonstrates how its exceptionalism has been systematically exaggerated and--in recent decades--corrupted. While there have been distinct and original elements in America's history and political philosophy, notes Hodgson, these have always been more heavily influenced by European thought and experience than Americans have been willing to acknowledge. A stimulating and timely assessment of how America's belief in its exceptionalism has led it astray, this book is mandatory reading for its citizens, admirers, and detractors

Cataloging source

CaPaEBR

Dewey number

973

Index

index present

LC call number

E169.1

LC item number

.H68 2009eb

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

• standards specifications
• bibliography