America: Reflections On A Country

'How They See Us: Meditations on America' is a collection of essays by writers from around the world, offering their perceptions of the United States. Published in 2009, the book includes pieces from seventeen writers outside of the US, reflecting on how American cultural, military, and political imperialism touches lives internationally. The essays explore the impact of US foreign policy before and after 9/11, with contributors sharing a range of emotions, from admiration to disappointment, towards the United States. The book provides an insightful look at how the rest of the world views America, its culture, and its policies.

The impact of US foreign policy before and after 9/11

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on US foreign policy, setting in motion significant changes in counterterrorism practices, intelligence gathering, and military operations. The events of 9/11 also altered Americans' daily lives and routines, particularly regarding travel and airport security. Here is an examination of the impact of US foreign policy before and after the 9/11 attacks:

US Foreign Policy Before 9/11

Before the 9/11 attacks, the United States' foreign policy was influenced by various factors, including its position as a global superpower and its cultural, military, and political influence worldwide. The US was already engaged in complex battles over Arab and Muslim identity and was involved in conflicts in the Middle East and other regions. There was also criticism of US support for certain Arab allies, whose policies were seen as compromising US national security. Additionally, the US was facing challenges in its relations with other countries due to its aggressive foreign policy and unilateral actions.

Immediate Impact of 9/11 on US Foreign Policy

The 9/11 attacks, carried out by the jihadi group al-Qaeda, marked a turning point in US foreign policy. The attacks killed 2,977 people and exposed critical intelligence gaps and a lack of information sharing between agencies. In response, the Bush administration launched a war on terror, authorizing military action against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The US also established the Department of Homeland Security to protect against future attacks and enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Long-Term Impact of 9/11 on US Foreign Policy

In the years following 9/11, the US continued to reshape its foreign policy, with a heightened focus on counterterrorism and national security. The Patriot Act expanded the government's surveillance and investigative powers, leading to concerns about civil liberties and privacy. The US also faced challenges in balancing its counterterrorism goals with maintaining alliances and support from moderate Arab states. Additionally, the invasion of Afghanistan and the search for Osama bin Laden continued, with NATO assuming command of international security operations in 2003.

Impact on US Relations with Other Countries

The 9/11 attacks initially generated global sympathy and solidarity, with NATO invoking its collective self-defense mechanism for the first time. However, the US's subsequent actions, particularly the invasion of Iraq, strained relations with some allies. Critics argued that the US was pursuing a neoimperial grand strategy, triggering antagonism and resistance in the international community. The US was accused of acting unilaterally and undermining diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction.

In conclusion, the 9/11 attacks significantly impacted US foreign policy, leading to increased counterterrorism efforts, enhanced intelligence gathering, and military engagements. The attacks also influenced Americans' daily lives and routines and shaped their perception of the world. The US's response to 9/11 had both positive and negative consequences, with ongoing debates about the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Loving American cultural exports but hating American politicians

It is possible to love American cultural exports but hate American politicians. This is a common sentiment, especially in countries with strong anti-Americanism, where people differentiate between admiration for American culture and disdain for American politics and politicians.

American Cultural Exports

American culture holds tremendous appeal worldwide, with adults around the globe complimenting US commercial products and art. People tend to think highly of American movies, television, music, goods, and food and drink, especially in the developing world. In wealthier countries, views are often slightly less enthusiastic but still largely positive.

Anti-Americanism

Anti-Americanism is a term used to describe opposition to, fear of, distrust of, prejudice against, or hatred toward the United States, its government, foreign policies, or Americans in general. It is often associated with negative views of American politicians and policies. Anti-American sentiment has been observed in various regions, including Western Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Latin America, with specific manifestations and causes varying across regions.

Factors Influencing Anti-American Sentiment

Several factors influence anti-American sentiment, including:

• Military presence overseas: The presence of US military bases and troops in other countries has been cited as a "major catalyst for anti-Americanism and radicalization."
• Foreign policy choices: Specific policies or actions, such as wars, drone strikes, sanctions, and support for repressive regimes, have contributed to anti-American sentiment in various countries.
• Cultural imperialism: The perception of American cultural imperialism, or the dominance of American culture in other countries, has sparked resistance in some regions.
• Political rhetoric and propaganda: The use of terms like "anti-American" as propaganda or to stifle dissent, similar to "anti-Soviet" in the USSR, contributes to anti-American sentiment.
• Social and economic factors: Social networking, identity, and economic decisions play a role in the consumption of culture, and these factors vary across countries.

Impact of Politicians

The US's global reputation has shifted dramatically over the past two decades, often influenced by the sitting president and their foreign policies. The election of Joe Biden, for example, improved the overall global image of the US.

While it is possible to love American cultural exports, it is understandable that people may have negative views of American politicians due to the complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and political factors.

The psychosocial conflict of non-Americans claiming moral superiority

The book "How They See Us: Meditations on America" is a collection of essays by writers from around the world, sharing their perceptions of the United States. One of the recurring themes in the book is the psychosocial conflict that non-Americans face when consuming and enjoying American cultural products while simultaneously despising certain aspects of American politics and society, and the resulting claim to moral superiority.

This phenomenon can be understood through the lens of moral tribalism, where individuals or groups believe that their moral values are superior to others, creating an "us versus them" mentality. This mentality can lead to a cycle of hostility and division, inhibiting dialogue and understanding. It is important to recognize that morality is not binary but exists on a nuanced spectrum influenced by cultural, historical, and personal contexts.

The contributors to "How They See Us" express a sense of profound disappointment in America, feeling that it has not lived up to its image and ideals. They admire American values of democracy and opportunity but are baffled and frustrated by a perceived lack of self-reflection and understanding of others. This perceived failure to live up to its own ideals can contribute to a sense of moral superiority among critics of America, who believe they know better or could do better.

However, this claim to moral superiority is problematic and can lead to a fundamental misreading of cultural and religious doctrines. It can embolden individuals to treat others as less than human and contribute to violence and oppression. It is important to protect the inherent right to dignity for all human beings, regardless of their moral or cultural differences.

To transcend the issue of moral superiority, it is crucial to foster open dialogue and collaboration. This involves listening with empathy, seeking to understand different perspectives, and engaging in respectful discourse to find shared values and work towards a collective understanding.

How non-Americans can assume they know how to be better Americans

Non-Americans often assume they know how to be better Americans than Americans themselves. This is a common theme in the collection of essays "How They See Us: Meditations on America," which brings together the perspectives of writers and intellectuals from around the world on American cultural, military, and political imperialism. The book explores how non-Americans' love-hate relationship with American culture and history can lead to a sense of moral superiority and assumptions about how to improve America.

One factor contributing to this assumption is the spread of global consumerism. American culture, including its music, food, and pop culture icons like Marilyn Monroe and Martin Luther King Jr., has permeated the world. This cultural dominance creates a sense of familiarity and ownership among non-Americans, who may feel they understand America intimately without necessarily recognising the complexity and diversity of American society.

Additionally, non-Americans may perceive a lack of self-reflection and curiosity about the outside world among Americans. This perception can lead to a belief that Americans are arrogant, superficial, and indifferent to the impact of their actions on the rest of the world. Non-Americans may feel that their own experiences and perspectives offer a necessary corrective to what they see as American insularity and exceptionalism.

Moreover, non-Americans may hold America to a higher standard because of its status as a superpower and a source of fascination and envy worldwide. They may criticise America for failing to live up to its own ideals of truth, justice, self-determination, and democracy, particularly in its foreign policy and relations with other countries. Non-Americans may believe that their distance from American domestic politics provides them with a clearer view of where America falls short and how it can improve.

Finally, non-Americans may assume they know how to be better Americans because of their own experiences with immigration, multiculturalism, and cultural exchange. America is a nation of immigrants, and non-Americans may feel that their own cultural backgrounds and experiences with diversity give them insights into how America can become a more inclusive and equitable society.

While it is important to recognise the limitations of any generalisations about Americans or non-Americans, the assumption that non-Americans know how to be better Americans highlights the value of international dialogue, cultural exchange, and self-reflection in understanding and improving one's own society.

How America's allies have turned against it

The United States has long been a superpower without parallel since the British Empire, and its aggressive foreign policy has turned its allies against it. The election of Barack Obama was seen as a salvation, but the rise of Donald Trump has caused further concern for America's allies, particularly in Europe.

America's NATO allies were alarmed by the prospect of a second Trump term and the potential for a U.S. withdrawal from the alliance. They saw this as an "existential" threat, with one senior NATO official stating that "the anxiety is massive". The first term of the Trump administration was marked by erratic behaviour at international summits, an admiration for Russia, and a general aversion to the liberal international order. This behaviour caused a sense of alarm and panic among European leaders and diplomats, who feared that America was withdrawing from its role as the leader of the free world.

Trump's ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, was particularly unpopular due to his belligerent and uncouth behaviour. He was seen as a partisan operative who deliberately courted outrage and publicly tormented German political elites. Grenell's behaviour was indicative of the Trump administration's approach to foreign relations, which was characterised by a transactional style and a focus on "America First" policies. This approach alienated America's allies and damaged the system of alliances and partnerships that the U.S. had spent decades constructing.

However, some argue that Trump's tough stance on issues such as defence spending and trade deals was effective in getting results and forcing allies to bear the costs of their own defence. Despite the criticism, the Trump administration's tactics of applying "maximum pressure" on allies may have been necessary to achieve American interests.

The damage caused by the Trump administration has led to a sense of distrust and uncertainty among America's allies, who are now seeking to develop defence autonomy and reduce their reliance on the U.S. This shift has caused America's allies to turn against it, as they no longer see the country as a reliable and trustworthy partner.

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