A candidate supporter diary for MyDD
The notion of American exceptionalism is on old and noble one and an awareness of it is essential to understanding our historical role in world affairs. It's an underlying self-perception of our nation widely shared by the general public as much as it is maligned and, especially recently, questioned and deplored by experts. It has been with us since the sympathetic French sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville first coined the idea in 1835 and has informed our public policy and national aspirations on the world stage, for better or for worse, throughout our history:
American exceptionalism (cf. "exceptionalism") has been historically referred to as the belief that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations, because of its national credo, historical evolution, or distinctive political and religious institutions. The difference is often expressed in American circles as some categorical superiority, to which is usually attached some alleged proof, rationalization or explanation that may vary greatly depending on the historical period and the political context.Wikipedia - American Exceptionalism
This belief that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations is often implied in phrases like restoring America's position or rebuilding our reputation in the world. If you harbour a belief that America has a special role to play by virtue of it's size, power, egalitarianism or influence you are subscribing to this idea. The hijacking of our foreign policy by neo-conservatives, whose notion of 'exceptionalism' was founded solely on our unique status as the last superpower standing in the post-Cold era, has so eroded sympathy for and confidence in American exceptionalism outside our borders that it has undermined the idea of America' special position in the world and led to an abandonment of this concept by intellectuals and our allies on the grounds of illegitimacy and shifting geopolitical sands:
All this has led some to conclude that the world would be better off if America slunk home. As Joyce Carol Oates wrote in The Atlantic: "How heartily sick the world has grown, in the first seven years of the 21st century, of the American idea!" It has become a "cruel joke."Roger Cohen - Obama's American Idea 10 Dec 07
The criticisms of 'Pax Americana' and comparisons to the imperial ambitions, and decline, of ancient Rome have followed. Many suspect we have quite simply unsheathed the naked blade of military dominance and promptly broken it. They have a good point. In this context there have been few champions of exceptionalism in the foreign policy debate, the right continues to promote the corrupted 'divine right of power' version in their neo-conservative agendas but the left, quite typically, has shied from asserting a bold, coherent, ideological vision, contenting themselves with promises of 'good governance' and remedies for the geopolitical excesses of recent years. Except, apparently, for Senator Obama.
In a recent interview on foreign policy Senator Obama made a stunning comment:
Still, Obama stands by the universality of the American proposition: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness under a constitutional government of limited powers. "I believe in American exceptionalism," he told me, but not one based on "our military prowess or our economic dominance."Rather, he insisted, "our exceptionalism must be based on our Constitution, our principles, our values and our ideals. We are at our best when we are speaking in a voice that captures the aspirations of people across the globe."
Roger Cohen - Obama's American Idea 10 Dec 07
That is a bold and clear statement, full of promise and implications for Obama's future policy and an indication of his guiding principles in it's execution. While Hillary and Edwards have also proposed foreign policy platforms which would redress our geopolitical failures neither has articulated an ideological vision for our role in world affairs or their administration of our foreign policy. If they have mentioned restoring our international 'leadership' they have not articulated why this leadership is necessary or it's cost justified. This is a risky position for Obama to take and raises questions about the leadership challenges this approach would demand, for though it is not founded on fear or perceived threats it demands that both are confronted and mastered. He will need to stand his ground on this idealistic principle as we are facing increasing, and threatening, challenges worldwide. Is he tough enough for a dangerous world?:
"Yes, I'm tough enough," he responded during a half-hour conversation. "What I've always found is people who talk about how tough they are aren't the tough ones. I'm less interested in beating my chest and rattling my saber and more in making decisions that build a safer and more secure world."Obama, speaking less than a month before the Iowa caucus on Jan. 3, continued: "We can and should lead the world, but we have to apply wisdom and judgment. Part of our capacity to lead is linked to our capacity to show restraint."
Roger Cohen - Obama's American Idea 10 Dec 07
He is placing our withdrawal from Iraq, which has inherent risks for American foreign policy no matter how it resonates with the electorate, in the context of a much broader view of America's role in a post-9/11 world. Withdrawal from Iraq would be just one facet of a much larger initiative to advance American influence by engagement with the international community. This is not a policy of merely dealing with the reverses we have suffered under the maladministration of the Bush years but an alternate and ambitious strategy which implies energetic, outward interaction with allies, enemies and the uncommitted. It suggests new agendas and the promotion of mutually positive solutions with international partners but also implies that the role of America in these affairs is legitimate and founded on the strengths we have enjoyed for the whole of our history. An example of such an agenda?:
Referring to the time he spent in Indonesia, Obama said: "I have lived in the most populous Muslim country in the world, had relatives who practiced Islam. I am a Christian, but I can say I understand your worldview, although I may not agree with how Islam has evolved. I can speak forcefully about the need for Muslim countries to reconcile themselves to modernity in ways they have failed to do."Roger Cohen - Obama's American Idea 10 Dec 07
Amen, and about time someone in leadership made a statement along those lines. If he could do that successfully we could clear a major obstacle which has defied traditional strategies and diplomatic methods and remains a significant threat. But it is a posture which demands a legitimate foundation, an ideological frame of reference based on the virtues and principles of our own condition, and the future we are offering to the international community who have made the choice to engage with us and share, or aspire to, our values. The bottom line?:
Nowhere in American history has the gulf between ideals and sordid practice been greater than on questions of race. It is precisely the gulf between high principle -- not least habeas corpus -- and unprincipled actions that has done the most damage to America's image in recent years. Once again, Obama appears to bridge and reconcile."We can't entirely remake the world," he told me. "What we can do is lead by example."
Roger Cohen - Obama's American Idea 10 Dec 07
Indeed, an example Senator Obama is qualified and motivated to help guide us in setting. And not before time. I believe that Senator Obama is articulating a view which is widely held in the electorate and not restricted by party orthodoxy. It is about time we had foreign policy leadership aligned with the best interests, the inherent wisdom and the aspirations of the American people themselves.
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