Synopses & Reviews
Soon after the 9/11 attack on the United States, an early out pouring of sympathy from around the world began giving way to blame. In many parts of Europe, especially France, and elsewhere it was said that the Americans must have brought the violence upon themselves. The U.S. was a "cowboy" nation unwilling to follow the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, and bent on pursuing its own aims no matter what. Angered by the shrill polemics against a nation he knows and admires, the distinguished French writer Jean-Franois Revel has come to America's defense in Anti-Americanism, a biting and erudite book that spent several weeks on top of the French bestseller list. Revel probes the origins of the notion that America is the source of all evil: imperialistic, greedy, ruthlessly competitive--a "hyperpower" whose riches are acquired at the price of Third World poverty. He finds the roots of these charges in the weakness and envy of those who make them, and criticizes the legions of propagandists and pseudointellectuals who make a living on America-bashing. Regarding American "unilateralism," Revel shows how the United States is forced to go it alone because Europe has repeatedly failed to act in the cause of collective security. As for America's sin of "globalization," he argues that developing countries want more, not less access to rich markets and corporate investment. Much anti-Americanism, he believes, is simply anticapitalism joined with other doctrines that are, at heart, illiberal and even totalitarian. Revel expounds on the strengths of America and exposes the agendas of anti-Americans around the globe. While a conspicuous part of the world marches against America,Revel's clearheaded analysis explains what they are really marching for.
Synopsis
Revel expounds on the strengths of America and exposes the agendas of anti-Americans around the globe. While a conspicuous part of the world marches against America, Revel's clear-headed analysis explains what they are really marching for.
Synopsis
Revel probes the origins of the notion that America is the source of all evil: imperialistic, greedy, ruthlessly competitive--a hyperpower whose riches are acquired at the expense of the Third World.