Why America Misunderstands the World : National Experience and Roots of Misperception
by Pillar, Paul R.
Published by : Columbia University Press (New York) Physical details: x,211 Pages 16x23 cm | HB ISBN:9780231165907. Year: 2016| Item type | Current location | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Books
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General Stacks | Non-fiction | 327.73 P637W 2016 (Browse shelf) | Available | 43790 |
Browsing Garrison Public Library Multan Shelves , Shelving location: General Stacks , Collection code: Non-fiction Close shelf browser
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| 327.73 N736V 1988 1999 : Victory Without War | 327.73 N736V 1988 1999 : Victory Without War | 327.73 N736V 1988 1999 : Victory Without War | 327.73 P637W 2016 Why America Misunderstands the World : National Experience and Roots of Misperception | 327.73 P922A 2019 American Foreign Relations : A Very Short Introduction | 327.73 P922R 2003 Rogue Nation : American Unilateralism and the Failure of Good Intentions | 327.73 S194C 2012 Confront and Conceal : Obama's Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power |
Include Notes and Index.
Being insulated by two immense oceans makes it hard for Americans to appreciate the concerns of more exposed countries. American democracy's rapid rise also fools many into thinking the same liberal system can flourish anywhere, and having populated a vast continent with relative ease impedes Americans' understanding of conflicts between different peoples over other lands. Paul R. Pillar ties the American public's misconceptions about foreign threats and behaviors to the nation's history and geography, arguing that American success in international relations is achieved often in spite of, rather than because of, the public's worldview. Drawing a fascinating line from colonial events to America's handling of modern international terrorism, Pillar shows how presumption and misperception turned Finlandization into a dirty word in American policy circles, bolstered the "for us or against us" attitude that characterized the policies of the George W. Bush administration, and continue to obscure the reasons behind Iraq's close relationship with Iran. Fundamental misunderstandings have created a cycle in which threats are underestimated before an attack occurs and then are overestimated after they happen. By exposing this longstanding tradition of misperception, Pillar hopes the United States can develop policies that better address international realities rather than biased beliefs.
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