What are the aims of America in the World?
In our Manifesto, we set out the values that motivated this project. We believe that combating anti-Americanism is right and necessary, and we aim to provide the number one factual resource for those who wish to hear the other side of the argument. Our aims are to increase understanding of America, to debunk some of the leading myths about the United States and make a positive case for a continuing leading role for America in the world. We are not uncritical of America, however. Please see below.
What do you mean by anti-Americanism?
In the simplest terms, we mean the belief that America has been and continues to be bad for the world. Anti-Americanism is a multi-faceted phenomenon. It can be expressed in racist terms about American people, in the view that America is a uniquely unpleasant society, or in the attitude that American power and influence play a mostly negative part in global affairs. Some of these anti-American positions are legitimate points of view - it is not racist to think America has done more harm than good. But we seek to show that such views are profoundly mistaken.
Are you saying it is anti-American to oppose the policies of the current American government?
No. Of course it is possible to oppose the government of a country while believing that the country is nonetheless good for the world. But that is the point: do all of those who say they are anti-Bush rather than anti-American actually think America plays a positive role in global affairs? Do they welcome America’s influence or would they like it to be diminished? Again, the latter is a legitimate (and we believe false) position to hold, just as it is legitimate to think that the European Union or United Nations are bad for the world. But it is an anti-American position, just as those positions are anti-EU and anti-UN.
Is America in the World really needed? Looking at the leading politicians in countries like Britain, isn’t almost everyone pro-American?
As we show elsewhere on this site, anti-Americanism is a major and growing phenomenon in countries all over the world. A 2006 poll conducted in fifteen countries found respondents naming the United States as the greatest threat to world peace, above Iran’s nuclear programme. Such levels of popular anti-Americanism are sure to influence the decisions of political leaders around the world.
Are you funded by the US government?
No. We are established by British citizens and with British money. We are not seeking US funding although some Americans may give through our online donations facility.
Why is it up to people from other countries to tackle anti-Americanism? Isn’t it ultimately America’s problem?
Anti-Americanism is not only America’s problem: misplaced antagonism is a problem for those who feed it as well as those on the receiving end. America’s influence and economic, political, military and scientific leadership benefit non-Americans, while anti-Americanism threatens to undermine this, and to jeopardise cooperation with America by her allies. America’s friends and allies are the best placed to understand and combat prejudice against the United States in their own countries. It is our responsibility to do so.
What is your political agenda?
America in the World is not affiliated to any political party on either side of the Atlantic. Some of us are members of the Conservative Party – including Tim Montgomerie, Director of America in the World – and some are members of other parties. America in the World is not right-wing, and it is a mistake to think either that to be right-wing is to be pro-American or that to be pro-American is to be right-wing. For example, pro-American politicians such as Clement Attlee and Ernest Bevin were far from right-wing, while right-wingers such as Charles de Gaulle and Enoch Powell were far from pro-American.
Is America in the World a registered charity?
No.
How can I support the work being done by America in the World?
If you agree with our aims, you can sign our global declaration against anti-Americanism or help us financially.
