America Right or Wrong

America Right or Wrong examines the complex nature of American nationalism in the post-9/11 era. The book analyzes how two distinct forms of nationalist ideology - civic nationalism and defensive nationalism - have shaped U.S. foreign policy and national identity. Lieven draws on his extensive experience reporting from Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to investigate the roots of American exceptionalism. The text explores the tension between America's democratic ideals and its increasingly aggressive stance on the global stage during the War on Terror. The analysis focuses on how sacred national myths and an unwavering belief in American innocence have created barriers to critical discourse about U.S. policies. This examination spans multiple aspects of American political culture, from domestic rhetoric to international relations. This work stands as a key text for understanding the relationship between nationalism and foreign policy, offering insights into how deeply-held national beliefs can impact a country's actions and standing in the world.

Readers found Lieven's analysis detailed and well-researched, though some felt it became repetitive. Many appreciated his examination of American nationalism and foreign policy from an outsider's perspective. Liked: - Clear historical context connecting past and present American nationalism - Balanced critique of both conservative and liberal positions - Thorough documentation and academic rigor Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Redundant points across chapters - Some readers felt it was too critical of U.S. policies - Several noted the 2004 edition feels dated regarding current events Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 reviews) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Excellent analysis of American exceptionalism and its dangers, though it can be dry at times." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "While I don't agree with all his conclusions, Lieven provides valuable perspective on how American nationalism shapes foreign policy decisions."

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🔹 Anatol Lieven worked as a senior editor at The Times (London) and covered major events like the Soviet-Afghan War and the collapse of the Soviet Union firsthand 🔹 The book was first published in 2004 and received an updated edition in 2012 to address changes in American nationalism following the Obama presidency 🔹 The concept of "defensive nationalism" explored in the book draws parallels to similar movements in 19th century European powers, particularly in their responses to perceived external threats 🔹 As a professor at Georgetown University's Qatar campus, Lieven brings unique Middle Eastern perspectives to his analysis of post-9/11 American foreign policy 🔹 The book's framework for understanding American nationalism has been cited in over 500 academic works and influenced scholarly discussions about national identity formation