Chanced upon this very insightful critique of the supposed idea of American invincibility and her pervading sense of self-importance and indispensability in the world. Link ______________________________________________________________________ The Myth of American Exceptionalism The idea that the United States is uniquely virtuous may be comforting to Americans. Too bad it's not true. BY STEPHEN M. WALT | NOVEMBER 2011 Over the last two centuries, prominent Americans have described the United States as an " empire of liberty ," a " shining city on a hill ," the " last best hope of Earth ," the "leader of the free world," and the " indispensable nation ." These enduring tropes explain why all presidential candidates feel compelled to offer ritualistic paeans to America's greatness and why President Barack Obama landed in hot water -- most recently, from Mitt Romney -- for s...
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