Positive and Negative Aspects of American Exceptionalism - Literature review Example

American Exceptionalism The word Exceptionalism has become of interest in the American society. It has evolved from ancient times, gaining different perspectives from different historians. It has led to the division of the conservatives from the liberals. In fact, the Liberals would like the nation to understand that it is just an ordinary state like any other. Conservatives have a mentality that America is a special state than other democratic states. Following the idea, the country exhibits exceptionalism, but this should not be the cause of discrimination against other countries. In addition, the country is self-governing because the government does not influence the economic forces. In contrast, the current president of the USA stands for ‘universal values’. This means that he does not seek to have America stand out as special than other states. Harold Koh believes that America has both good and bad traits. Certainly, the good traits would justify its Exceptionalism, while the bad traits would undermine the concept. On the other hand, Ted Bromund believes that USA possesses certain virtues that are not inherent in other democratic nations. The paper analyzes the arguments of the two authors and concludes that Koh argument is better that Bromund argument. The author agrees that the aspect of America exceptionalism is the most important in the determination of the differences that exist between America and other countries. Therefore, it is necessary for Americans to defend, make an effort, and sacrifice for the growth of American exceptionalism. The United States exhibits the concept of exceptionalism. In comparison, other nations may show some of the variants of the concept. American exceptionalism upholds the country’s superiority. However, this does not make America more superior than other nations. Analysis of the arguments among historical scholars proves that America is an exceptional state. The concept of American Exceptionalism refers to the view that America is qualitatively different from other developed countries (Koh, p. 9). The country has adequate resources and it should probably consider sharing such resources with other countries. Consequently, the country receives unique and exceptional treatment as compared to other states. In addition, this could be due to advancement in technology and a strong political affiliation. America has a unique background and origin through its historical evolution. Distinctive religious and political institutions characterize the concept according to Harold Koh. Following the argument, Alexis de Tocqueville relates to the concept of American Exceptionalism in the state that it was among the first democracies of the world. Furthermore, the state had many immigrants during the historical period that created the identity of America and its citizens “Let us cease, then, to view all democratic nations under the example of the American people” (Tocqueville, p. 1). In accordance with the arguments of Ted Bromund, the institutions of America have more value. This means that the rest of the world needs to adopt the systems applicable in the country. The author denies that all American institutions are perfect; some of them have flaws that arise due to corruption. Besides that, Bromund argues that the roles assumed by America in influencing worldwide events make it an exceptional state. In other words, the policies of the country for foreign affairs stand on moral principles that act as a consistent theme “the USA exemplifies these virtues in their purest form that is why it is exceptional” (Bromund, p. 19). In the same way, Koh agrees on the issue, but bases his arguments on both negative and positive aspects of American exceptionalism. Exceptionalism is a generic term for observable behavior. This means that Americans find it their right to get special treatment than all the other people of the world. The author denies the perception because all the countries deserve equal treatment as per the international laws. The country practices unilateralism, this is the tendency of the nation to act on its own whenever a global issue arises. Americans specifically do not prefer working with other states as a team in solving global concerns. For that reason, the country through its activities shows that it expresses an exceptionalist identity. The author supports international organization and in synergy in addressing crucial issues that affect the world. For Exceptionalism not to occur, America should be willing to participate in a variety of international issues. It is evident that it does participate in international concerns, but it might not be doing enough considering the resources it possesses. However, this should take place without external influence or pressures from other nations. Bromund argues that the national values of America are universally acceptable and valid due to its democratic state “and it was the first nation to state all of this in a constitution that was publicly debated and democratically accepted” (Bromund, p. 19). For this purpose, other nations should adopt the policies of America, as there is an assumption that they are proper and moral. In opposition, Koh differs with Ted as he argues that most of the countries develop their own policies in the determination of their local activities. The author agrees that this is mostly the case for many nations, but such policies should not affect other nations negatively. America practices Exceptional Global Leadership. The country is highly democratic and the world upholds its policies in their respective states according to Bromund. The author suggests that this is an overstatement of the country’s democratic position, as racial discrimination is evident in the distribution of resources. In America, the local judicial processes are organized and are free from bias. In international forums, courts adopt the processes of the state through its national legislation. However, the responsibilities and rules that the international community imposes contradict those of America. America believes in triumphalism in that its legislators pursue their local interests in international institutions. It upholds distinctive rights culture as a concern of American exceptionalism. This means the protection of a country’s cultural practice no matter the kind of external pressure it finds to abandon the practices. Koh argues that the culture of America bases its exceptionalism of political, peculiar social and economic history. In fact, the behavior of the people of America is a dependent variable and attributes to the history and cultural causes of exceptionalism. America plays a major role in international affairs. It promotes human rights through the international law. Moreover, it shares leadership skills globally. Such skills are culturally distinct and the country takes its international responsibility without failure (Philips, p. 1). To clarify, the country has been able to maintain the culture through a persistent commitment in the international system even though it is a superpower. Harold Koh tries to make reconciliation on the concerns of the concept of exceptionalism. He explains that there are instances where international institutions had to shun America. This is because some countries would not accept the rules and policies that America imposed. For this reason, it is necessary to make a distinction between an exceptionalist identity and the American policy in relation to multilateral regimes. If the concept of American exceptionalism is a belief that is widely held, then its own public must approve its functionality (Koh, p. 14). There exists evidence that the American citizens show some unique and exemplary attitudes, in that, they regard their institutions highly. The country ranks its national pride higher as compared to other democracies. Furthermore, it has a moral outlook on its position in regards to its foreign policy. The citizens of the America reject the perception of the world that their policies are those of double standards. Reports indicate that America finds approval from its citizens in order to handle foreign matters. For this purpose, they make altruistic considerations when they decide to aid in peacekeeping efforts and issuance of relief food during wars. Therefore, other countries can employ the rules and policies of America because they seem to be functional. Throughout the years as stated earlier, America has been participating actively in international affairs. Most of the people in the world are in support of America in its involvement in the affairs. The author suggests that the country is exceptional as long as it is able to cooperate with the rest of the nations. To demonstrate this, America should help in solving the problems of the world, specifically the protection of human rights, and the maintenance of peace. Bromund argues that America does not engage in situations that directly affect their national interest while addressing international matters, whereas Koh suggests that the country should consider the interests of other nations. The American public does not oppose the positive influence of the nation to the rest of the world. It has been on a constant mission to initialize and advance institutions that are more democratic. In illustration, America supports the existence of the International criminal Court that prosecutes highly influential people in their countries. However, in accordance to Harold Koh some institutions in the country give priority to some individuals in case an opportunity arises. In brief, this relates to the racial and political background of an individual. To illustrate further, instances that have seen America’s intention of releasing nuclear bombs in Iraq show that the country is exceptional. This is because it helps in peace making in the Middle East. The Majority of the citizens of America are in support of multilateral measures for purposes of peace enhancement (Koh, p. 20). In contrast, there have been queries on whether American exceptionalism results in unilateral attitudes. The public polls and opinions have proven that exceptionalism does not result in unilateral attitudes. Certainly, America shows evidence of exceptionalism, but there are no indications of unilateralism. To summarize, it is evident that the concept explained by Ted Bromund support American exceptionalism. This is because he argues that the country acts as a redeemer nation in solving most of the world’s conflicts. The concept explains a country’s quest to put efforts that seek redemption without ceasing. Such a nation does not run short of ideas when handling sensitive matters of the world. The author suggests that America should consider laying out forums that would enable other countries learn about Exceptional Global Leadership virtues. To sum up, America is indeed exceptional, but it should not look down on other nations (Phillips, p. 2). In contrast, Koh explains both the good and bad concerns about America exceptionalism. Therefore, he bases his conclusion on a wide area of research. Thus, Koh argument is better than Bromund argument. In conclusion, American exceptionalism is a generic term for observable behavior. America is one of the most democratic nations that have effective institutional policies. It has been on a constant mission to initialize and advance institutions that are more democratic. This means that the rest of the world needs to adopt the systems applicable in the country, in order to have efficient institutions. America practices Exceptional Global Leadership that determines the highest level of democracy in the country. If the concept of American exceptionalism is a belief that is widely held, then an approval of its functionality is necessary. Most of the people in the world are in support of America and its involvement in the international affairs. The American public does not oppose its positive influence to the rest of the world. Furthermore, the majority of the citizenship of America is in support of multilateral measures. The public polls and opinions have proven that exceptionalism does not result to unilateral attitude. Finally, America is a reliable country in solving the problems of the world and it is exceptional. However, it should ensure that there are minimal discriminatory concerns in relation to other countries. Work cited Bromund, Ted. “American Exceptionalism and its Enemies.” The New Ledger Features – Politics 2012 De Tocqueville, Alexis. From Democracy in America 1835. Koh, Harold Hongju. “America’s Jekyll‐and‐Hyde Exceptionalism.” Ed. Michael Ignatieff. American Exceptionalism and Human Rights Phillips Dennis. "Is America an exceptional nation?." ABC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. . Read More