Rethinking Anti-Americanism

'Anti-Americanism' is an unusual expression; although stereotypes and hostility exist toward every nation, we do not hear of 'anti-Italianism' or 'anti-Brazilianism'. Only Americans have elevated such sentiment to the level of a world view, an explanatory factor so significant as to merit a name - an 'ism' - usually reserved for comprehensive ideological systems or ingrained prejudice. This book challenges the scholarly consensus that blames criticism of the United States on foreigners' irrational resistance to democracy and modernity. Tracing 200 years of the concept of anti-Americanism, this book argues that it has constricted political discourse about social reform and US foreign policy, from the War of 1812 and the Mexican War to the Cold War, from Guatemala and Vietnam to Iraq. Research in nine countries in five languages, with attention to diplomacy, culture, migration and the circulation of ideas, shows that the myth of anti-Americanism has often damaged the national interest. "'Anti-Americanism' is a phrase routinely used, but a phenomenon rarely studied. Friedman's elegantly written book sparkles with fresh insight and fascinating new material. The author's erudition and keen analytical skills make this original work an invaluable source for understanding the international impact of U.S. foreign policy. Rethinking Anti-Americanism is as thought-provoking as it is timely." - Carolyn Eisenberg, Hofstra University "Friedman demystifies the myth of anti-Americanism, showing how its acceptance has often tragically clouded U.S. decision makers' assessments of foreign nations' views and policies. Eloquently written with a keen eye to cultural nuances and detail and a firm grasp on the existing historiography, Rethinking Anti-Americanism shows that within the United States, anti-Americanism has often impeded clear thinking and progressive reform. Focusing on Western Europe and Latin America, this fascinating and dynamic study leaves us with the question of whether there may be a direct relationship between the United States' ascent to power and its need to stigmatize external criticism. This is an impressive achievement." - Jessica Gienow-Hecht, University of Cologne "Friedman is the perceptive observer, arguing that anti-Americanism is more a mythical beast than a real menace to the United States. Rather than causing opposition to U.S. policies, anti-Americanism has been a largely imaginary threat used to silence those who dare suggest that the United States is not living up to its own high ideals. If the United States is indeed exceptional, it is because of its singular inability to brook criticism, including from its friends and allies. Lucid, witty, and persuasive, this is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered 'why do they hate us so much?'" - Kristin Hoganson, The University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign "Anti-Americanism has erupted in many parts of the globe not for years, but, as Max Paul Friedman vividly demonstrates, for parts of several centuries. Rethinking Anti-Americanism employs European, Latin American, and U.S. primary records to provide a stunning, concise analysis of why Americans have found themselves detested and, more pointedly, suffering failed wars and foreign policies particularly over the past sixty years. Friedman masterfully opens insights, and one hopes debate, on a fundamental set of problems Americans have willfully ignored, and for which they have been paying a heavy price." - Walter LaFeber, Tisch University Professor Emeritus, Cornell University "This very impressive book draws on original research from archives across the world to thoroughly rebuke the abuse and overuse of the term anti-Americanism. In a lucid and commanding manner Friedman challenges us to move beyond using the word 'anti-Americanism' to score political points or attempt to silence critics. Further, he offers a compelling argument about what the United States has to gain from listening to, and engaging with, its critics." - Brendon O'Connor, University of Sydney "Traditionally, writings on anti-Americanism have focused on why other nations dislike the United States. Asking how the focus on the question 'why do they hate us?' has affected American politics and U.S. relations with the world, Max Paul Friedman investigates the history of the concept of anti-Americanism with surprising and illuminating conclusions. He demonstrates that it has restricted and at times poisoned political discourse, and poorly served the making of foreign policy by failing to take seriously criticisms from abroad and learning more about other parts of the world. Friedman has written an original and convincing analysis of an understudied issue." - David F. Schmitz, Robert Allen Skotheim Chair of History, Whitman College1. Introduction: the myth of anti-Americanism; 2. History of a concept; 3. Americanism and anti-Americanism; 4. The specter haunting Europe: anti-Americanism and the Cold War; 5. Bad neighborhood: anti-Americanism and Latin America; 6. Myth and consequences: de Gaulle, anti-Americanism, and Vietnam; 7. Anti-Americanism in the age of protest; 8. Epilogue: the anti-American century?