There is sharp disagreement over the "root
causes" of contemporary anti-Americanism—over how
much is instigated by US foreign policy, for example, and
how much results from envy, misplaced grievances, from the output of Hollywood or the
impact of corporate America. Nevertheless, America's critics can be grouped into various
typologies that help explain much of the current outbreak of anti-Americanism,
especially in Europe and the Muslim world.
America's economy drives global entrepreneurship and prosperity
The United States of America
accounts for 6% of the world's land mass and about 6% of its people, yet its economy
generates around 30% of global GDP[1]
America's economic engine is not
only the largest, but it is also the most dynamic and innovative, well evidenced by the
fact more than 40% of all Nobel Prize recipients are from the U.S.[2]
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Health care in America
A hybrid system of public and private markets ensures the delivery of health care to all Americans. Leadership in areas such as medical science, medical technology and pharmaceuticals exemplifies the dynamism of the American system.
America leads the world in medical science
Of the 143 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine awarded since 1945, 87 have gone to Americans. Six of the seven women who have ever won Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine did so based partially or entirely on their work in the United States.
The role of government in America
It is often suggested that America is a vastly less compassionate society than most other Western nations, because it embraces a more capitalist economic system. Whether less government intervention suggests less compassion is itself debatable, but also dubious are myths that contribute to the notion that America is ruthlessly and uniquely capitalist when compared to other Western countries.
Strategies for combating anti-Americanism
In
all of our briefings, our authors aim to make a reasonable case and
supply the facts and referencing to support the argument made. But some
briefings make a more controversial case than others. We consider this
one of our more controversial briefings.
Another America in the World briefing looks at the different forms of anti-Americanism that exist. This briefing examines the main strategies for addressing those different forms.
A
new President
A
combination of poor communications and controversial overseas interventions have reduced
America’s global standing to a sorry state under President George W Bush. The
election of either John McCain or Barack Obama will give America something of a fresh
start in the eyes of fair-minded observers. Barack Obama is likely to produce the
most positive short-term effect but some of his policies on trade and Iraq, for example,
may bring new problems. The 44th American President – whoever he
is – will need to realise that anti-Americanism existed before George W Bush and
will exist after he has gone. There are many sources of anti-Americanism.
Resentment of American political, military, economic and cultural hegemony will bedevil
all administrations for the foreseeable future.
Continue reading "Strategies for combating anti-Americanism" »
America and Human Rights
In the wake of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay and the Bush Administration’s lack of clarity on practices such as ‘water-boarding’, considered by many to be torture, the United States has been widely criticised on human rights issues. The US has become regarded by many as somewhat hypocritical – and for the most strident anti-Americans, the US is talked of as a human rights abuser far more frequently than North Korea, Burma or Sudan.
The European Union
It is not enough for critics of the United States to say that it is an imperfect world leader. They must also suggest how the world might be better led. Another briefing examines the United Nations as an alternative to US leadership. There is a hope in the European Union that the EU could solve problems in a better, more constructive and less militaristic way than the USA. This briefing examines the EU and some of its protagonists’ desire for it to be ‘the alternative superpower’. The guiding text for this ambition is Mark Leonard’s ‘Why Europe will run the Twenty First Century’. Where the US projects its force through military hard power, the argument goes, the EU uses trade accords and international law, gradually drawing other nations into a peaceful nexus of collaboration – so called “soft power”.
Trends in anti-Americanism
There is little consistent polling data allowing an objective assessment of the global prevalence of anti-Americanism over the years. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, however, it is possible to track trends. These indicate a growing distrust of America and American leadership. However, although anti-Americanism is deeper, it is not wider. Moreover, there are signs that anti-Americanism is lessening in several surprising areas. On the other hand, there are signs that new concerns about America are manifesting.
Religion in America
In
all of our briefings, our authors aim to make a reasonable case and
supply the facts and referencing to support the argument made. But some
briefings make a more controversial case than others. We consider this
one of our more controversial briefings.
The combination of America's robust religious liberty model and the persistence of high levels of religious observance are unique in the world. Religious ideals, individuals and institutions have played a critical and constructive role in American political and civic life.
America’s role in space exploration and development
Discovering the principles of space travel and rocketry
America was
one of three nations that independently developed the fundamental principles of space
travel and rocketry (the others being Russia and Germany). Robert Goddard, Hermann Oberth
and Konstantin Tsiokovskii are the three fundamental discoverers of space
flight.
Continue reading "America’s role in space exploration and development" »
America and Race
Like many countries, America once practised slavery (before fighting a civil war resulting in its abolition) and racial discrimination (before the success of the civil rights movement). Critics of the United States sometimes assert that racism and racial discrimination strongly persist in America. The evidence suggests otherwise.
The vast majority of Americans have favourable views of people of other races
The Pew Forum’s 2002 survey found more British, French and Germans than Americans saying they had little in common with people of other races and ethnicity.[1] An overwhelming majority of black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white Americans express favourable views of each other as racial groups. A Pew Research poll in 2008 found that 82% of white Americans have a favourable view of black Americans, and 80% of blacks have a favourable view of whites. 87% of whites and 82% of blacks report having a friend of a different race. 77% of whites and 69% of blacks think whites and blacks either get along very well or pretty well.
America and the Second World War
A number of historical misconceptions circulate about America’s
role in the Second World War. They include the idea that America began
helping Britain only when attacked herself, and that American aid to
Britain before that date came in the teeth of pervasive hostility by
the American public, stirred up by anti-British ‘isolationists’. The
fact that America was brought fully into the war in December 1941 by
the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, with Germany declaring war four
days later, has created the false impression that America was
completely separated from the war before unprovoked Axis aggression
reluctantly forced the US into the conflict.
The American military and its role in the world
The United
States has the worlds highest military spending by a large margin. American
defence expenditure actually accounts for 45% of the worlds total,[1] a figure often attacked as
excessive. But this expenditure should be understood in the context of the
benefits it brings the rest of the world, as well as in defending the United
States. Michael Mandelbaum talks of Americas defence expenditure as a "public
good" that it has given to the world.[2]
Continue reading "The American military and its role in the world" »
America and Scientific Research and Development
The United States is often criticised for using up 25% of the world's resources while
comprising only 5% of its population. In fact, America contributes
substantially to global growth through its contributions in terms of scientific
research and development and education of foreign-born scientists.
America provides 31% of all global scientific research and development funding
In 2007, America provided $353 billion in R&D funding, out of a world
total of $1.1 trillion. This compares to $65 billion from Germany, $44 billion from France and $40 billion from the UK.
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