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Promised Land, Crusader State: The American Encounter with the World Since 1776 Paperback – May 15, 1998

by Walter Mcdougall (Author)

21 ratings

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In "an entertaining and iconoclastic fashion" (Philadelphia Inquirer), the celebrated historian reinterprets the traditions that have shaped U.S. foreign policy from 1776 to the present. "McDougall has written a lively and provocative book" (Wall Street Journal) that is "a rich study of the American experience" (Los Angeles Times).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Masterful wit, clarity, and insight." Christian Science Monitor

"A rich study of the American experience." The Los Angeles Times

"First rate." The New York Times

"A valuable guide for today's policymakers." - Henry Kissinger

"an entertaing and iconoclastic fashion" The Philadelphia Inquirer

About the Author

Walter A. McDougall received the Pulitzer Prize in history in 1986. A professor of international relations and history at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Reasearch Institute, he lives in Philadelphia.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (May 15, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0395901324
ISBN-13: 978-0395901328
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Customer Reviews: 20 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1368 in History & Theory of Politics
- #8477 in United States History (Books)
- #1993 in International & World Politics (Books)

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An interesting essay on America's foreign policy traditions

October 31, 2000

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

McDougall identifies 8 different traditions in American foreign policy, which fall into two "testaments." The "old testament" consists of traditions such as liberty, unilateralism and the American System. Essentially, it involves Americans perfecting their own country and looking towards their own part of the world as the place they need to be most concerned. The "new testament" consists of such traditions as containment, expansion and meliorism. It calls for American to play a much broader role in the world's affairs, although for different reasons. McDougall does not purport to have written a comprehensive diplomatic history as to explain it and how it might be used to conduct future diplomacy. "Promised Land" is not highly ideological - some will find his questioning of the Marshall Plan's success and attack on foreign aid infuriating. Others will be unhappy with his assertion that the US is perhaps well served by its participation in the UN and Nato, as long as the USs ability to act unilaterally when necessary is not impeded. For example, he points out that Washington's famous injunction was against "entangling alliances" rather than all alliances and that those which serve the US interest without limited its freedom of action are consistent with Washington rather than opposing it. In perhaps the most interesting "revision" of the entire book, he repudidates the notion that America has ever been an isolationist nation, saying that it really was a concern for our ability to act unilaterally that was at issue and points to a long history of interventionism to protect US interests dating back to Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates. Finally, the book explains the role of religion in the changing nature of America's policies from that of a promised land where we would lead by example primarily to one where we would be more willing to intervene.

7 people found this helpful

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America's varied doctrines of dealing with the world

October 4, 2004

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I first saw Walter McDougall on the C-SPAN Booknotes show discussing this book in 1997. He impressed me so much that I went online and ordered it from Amazon instantly. It is a great read because McDougall writes clearly, concisely, and with a rare vividness for a scholar.

This is not a book of American History per se. It is a book about American's developing and changing doctrines of how to deal with the world beyond our borders. McDougall discusses eight doctrines with four under the "Old Testament" heading (when America was basically turned inward and worried only about the Western Hemisphere), and four under the "New Testament" (when America became a player on the world stage and, briefly, a colonial power).

Understanding these doctrines is essential to understanding America's changing place in the world. These doctrines conflict with each other and yet the all still echo through history to our present. This leads to some of the complexity in our present political relationships with the world and our own muddled sense of ourselves and our role in the world. Certainly, America has done some wonderful things for the world, but the wake of our great ship of state has also made navigation tough for some of the smaller barks trying to stay afloat in the storms of history.

This is a fine book and a great read. I encourage everyone, especially students and young people, to read it carefully and to consider seriously the arguments Prof. McDougall has put forth. You will be better off whether or not you end up agreeing with him.

8 people found this helpful

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A. Tester

Excellent book for everyone--beginners to policy wonks

September 28, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I had to read this book for an undergraduate history course. It is an excellent presentation of the events, ideas, and personalities that have shaped American foreign policy since its inception. After reading this book, I walked away with a great sense of how the political discourse has evolved over the years to get us where we are today.

The writer is very engaging so both beginners to the topic and those who typically enjoy historical and/or foreign policy topics will enjoy this book. It's a great starting point for further research!

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Theodore Kobernick

Too good not to share

March 20, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

An interpretation of U.S. history so excellent that I bought this book for my brother (I'm hanging on to my copy.).

One person found this helpful

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Great classic!

February 5, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Clearly written, easy to understand. It is a must read for anyone who intends to understand the underpinnings of US foreign policy. I highly recommend reading author's new book, "The Tradegy of US Foreign Policy" after this book.

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Kindle Customer

Great Writer

March 4, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am greatly pleased with finding and receiving this book. I was not aware of this book but thanks to this seller, I have a great respect for Walter McDougall and his knowledge of American History. This book is in excellent

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Mrs. Davis

Five Stars

February 28, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

i love it,

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J Y

Good book

January 26, 2020

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Good book

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