American Exceptionalism Reconsidered

David P. Forsythe is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.Patrice C. McMahon is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

"From the first page until the last, American Exceptionalism Reconsidered will grab the reader’s attention. I hope that David Forsythe and Patrice McMahon are correct that the pursuit of U.S. national interests can still be blended with attention to universal human rights and even an occasional commitment to come to the rescue of those outside its borders."Thomas G. Weiss, Graduate Center of the City University of New York"Forsythe and McMahon have written an exceptional book on American exceptionalism. Against the broad canvas of American history but with a focus on events since 9/11, this intelligent and wide-ranging book shows quite convincingly what no politician would ever acknowledge: that the U.S. is no better than any other country. Those seeking an antidote to ‘make America great again’ will certainly find it here."Mark Gibney, University of North Carolina–Asheville"This fresh analysis of a recurring central theme in U.S. policy brings important insight to bear on the fate of human rights in a post-hegemonic world. Forsythe and McMahon's rigorous analysis of the U.S. record builds the case for a more nuanced ‘American globalism’ that advances academic understanding and strategies for human rights advocacy."Alison Brysk, University of California–Santa Barbara"The U.S. does not have a unique interest in promoting the good abroad; it is a normal country blending self-interest with internationalism, nationalism with cosmopolitanism. Forsythe and McMahon expertly make this case by analyzing history, policy, and law pertaining to issues like humanitarian intervention, torture, and corporate regulation. This excellent, readable, and current classroom text is enlivened by frequent reference to American public opinion and comparison with other large countries’ foreign policies."Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann, Wilfrid Laurier University"This book, a searing but thoughtful indictment of the myth of American exceptionalism, is an indispensable analysis of a self-identified 'indispensable' country. It exposes double standards in U.S. foreign policy when it comes to the protection of human rights, while also recognizing that hypocrisy is not reserved just for the U.S. This excellent book raises profound questions about the ability of human rights law to affect state behavior, with sometimes-uncomfortable conclusions. It notes the paradox that U.S. power has been central to both attempts to protect human rights and failure to do so." Kurt Mills, University of Glasgow"All those concerned with human rights—as scholars or activists—need to understand the causes and consequences of U.S. foreign policy. Forsythe and McMahon provide us with an admirably clear and judiciously balanced account of the history, present state, and likely future of the U.S. approach to international human rights. Their nuanced analysis blows away a number of myths that cloud this important subject."Michael Freeman, University of Essex"For frustrated human rights advocates ‘American exceptionalism’ is about the U.S. government’s tendency to eschew certain international norms, including human rights. For some patriots, however, it refers to the notion of the U.S. as a sui generis flagship of democracy and human rights. This informative book examines and successfully falsifies the latter view with a thorough study of four major issue areas. Forsythe and McMahon show that the American public, too, has preferred a self-serving foreign policy. Raising controversial questions for all U.S. citizens, this important book will facilitate teaching and learning in classrooms and beyond."Zehra F. Kabasakal Arat, University of Connecticut

• PrefaceIntroduction: The Quest for a Liberalized Realism?1. City on a Hill?: American Exceptionalism Past and Present 2. Promoting Democracy after the Cold War: Mission Contained3. Saving Strangers: Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)4. US Detention and Interrogation Policies after 9/11/2001: A Tortured Evolution5. American Exceptionalism Reined In: The US Supreme Court, Corporations, and the Kiobel Case 6. Hard Times for Human Rights: The Role of Aspiring PowersConclusion: Liberalized Realism in Today’s World