Chauvinism of the West

This book is a critical exploration of the intellectual foundations of American foreign policy on the left and the right. The left is inspired by Immanuel Kant's idea that spreading democracy is the key to universal peace. The right is inspired by the realism of Thucydides, Leo Strauss, and Carl Schmitt. The emphasis is on military power as a sign of superiority and a means to survival. For the right, spreading democracy is merely a ploy for building a global commercial empire to rival the British. Drury gives reasons for rejecting both as manifestations of the chauvinism of the West.

Provides a critical evaluation of theological roots of American exceptionalism civil religion that guides foreign policy Argues against the democratic peace theory that was popularized by Kant and endorsed by liberals in foreign policy Provides a critical analysis of the neoconservative appropriation of realism of Thucydides, Leo Strauss & Carl Schmitt

Autorentext

Shadia Drury is Professor Emerita at the University of Regina, and was formerly the Canada Research Chair in Social Justice. She has been a regular op-ed contributor to Free Inquiry since 2003.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: The Roots of American Exceptionalism.- Chapter 2: Manifest Destiny Goes Global.- Chapter 3: What's Wrong With Spreading Democracy?.- Chapter 4: Neoconservative Realism.- Chapter 5: Fascist Elements in Neoconservative Realism.- Chapter 6: American Exceptionalism and Foreign Policy.