America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism : Book Review

"America: Right or Wrong" by Anatol Lieven is a thought-provoking examination of American foreign policy and its global impact. Lieven, a respected journalist and scholar, presents a critical analysis of American exceptionalism and the tendency to view its actions as inherently moral and just. He argues that this belief has heavily influenced American foreign policy, leading to questionable interventions and unintended consequences.

The book begins by examining the origins of American exceptionalism, tracing it back to the country's founding principles and the idea of manifest destiny. Lieven posits that this belief in America's unique moral standing has resulted in a dangerous disregard for the sovereignty and interests of other nations. To support his arguments, he provides various examples, such as the intervention in Iraq and the promotion of democracy globally.

One of the book's strengths is Lieven's ability to navigate complex political and historical landscapes effortlessly. He draws upon a diverse range of sources, including interviews, official documents, and academic research, to support his claims. Additionally, he offers a comprehensive overview of American foreign policy, spanning from the Cold War to the War on Terror.

Lieven also delves into the cultural and ideological factors that have shaped American foreign policy, including the influence of religious fundamentalism and the impact of the military-industrial complex. He argues that these factors, combined with American exceptionalism, have fostered a mindset where the United States sees itself as the arbiter of global morality, often at the expense of international cooperation and understanding.

In conclusion, "America: Right or Wrong" is a thought-provoking and well-researched analysis of American foreign policy. Anatol Lieven challenges the prevailing belief in American exceptionalism and offers a critical perspective on the unintended consequences of this mindset. Regardless of one's agreement or disagreement with Lieven's arguments, this book contributes significantly to the discourse on America's role in the world.

What are readers saying?

The reviews of Anatol Lieven's book "America: Right or Wrong" present a diverse range of perspectives on his examination of American exceptionalism and its influence on U.S. foreign policy. While opinions on the book vary, readers found Lieven's analysis thought-provoking and commended his insightful exploration of American attitudes towards the world. They appreciated his objective approach and ability to present complex ideas clearly and accessible. The author's extensive research and use of historical and current examples to support his arguments were also praised.

However, some critics felt that Lieven's analysis lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of American exceptionalism. They believed the book could have delved deeper into the historical context of American foreign policy decisions and presented alternative viewpoints in more detail.

Some readers also found Lieven's writing style dense and academic, which made the book a challenging read. They suggested that the inclusion of more personal anecdotes or real-life stories could have made the content more engaging.

Another point of contention among reviewers was Lieven's perceived bias towards a particular political ideology. Some argued that he was overly critical of American actions and failed to acknowledge the positive aspects of American exceptionalism.

Notwithstanding these criticisms, many readers found "America: Right or Wrong" to be a valuable and thought-provoking read. They appreciated Lieven's insights into the pitfalls of American exceptionalism and his examination of its implications for global relations. Overall, the reviews indicate that the book offers a well-rounded exploration of American attitudes and foreign policy decisions. It is important to note, however, that readers should be prepared for a dense and scholarly writing style.

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