Godfrey Hodgson on "The Myth of American Exceptionalism"

Godfrey Hodgson on the Diane Rhem Show discussing his new book.

"Almost from the nation’s founding, Americans have thought of their country as having a unique role in the world. A British commentator explains why he believes the U.S. is not as exceptional as it often believes."

But for a more detailed and cohesive review of the concept check Minxin Pei's article in Foreign Affairs: The Paradoxes of American Nationalism.

She writes in the introduction:

"As befits a nation of immigrants, American nationalism is defined not by notions of ethnic superiority, but by, a belief in the supremacy of of U.S. democratic ideals. This disdain for Old World nationalism creates a dual paradox in the American psyche: First, although the United States is highly nationalistic, it doesn't see itself as such. Second, despite this nationalistic fervor, U. S. policymakers generally fail to appreciate the power of nationalism abroad."

To round things up, here is a article exploring some findings from the Pew Global Attitudes Project's, as the relate to the issue.