Short description:

This book puts anti-Americanism into a contemporary context and analyzes some of its political consequences. It explores networks, culture and foundations and security issues, providing regional and country studies.

Long description:

Anti-Americanism as a concept is confused, often used in a contradictory fashion and invariably driven by emotion rather than intellect. Nevertheless, it casts a long policy shadow with adverse consequences (both real and potential) for actors including those who may not support the concept.

This book puts anti-Americanism into a contemporary context and analyses some of its political consequences. The argument of the book is that ideas matter: they shape actions and have policy consequences. With the case of anti-Americanism, even superficial ideas can reflect deep seated emotions that might, at first sight, appear real. These can range from the rhetorical flourish and smart comment occasioned by a presidential gaucherie through to a deep embedded, visceral hatred of all things American. The contributors to this volume discern the difference between these two ends of the anti-American spectrum and assess the varying degree of ?political consequence?. Divided into three parts, items addressed include:

• Networks, culture and foundations consisting of the role of influential foundations and think tanks in combating anti-Americanism, and the link between the political establishment in Washington D.C. and the popular culture industry


• Security and Anti-Americanism


• Regional and country Studies, including Canada, Australia, East Asia, Latin America, Greece and France.

The Political Consequences of Anti-Americanism will be of interest to students and scholars of politics, international relations, security studies, American politics and American foreign policy.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction: The Theory and Practice of Anti-Americanism: A Brief Introduction  Part 1: Networks, Culture and Foundations  2. Americanism and its Critics: From the Congress for Cultural Freedom to the Open Society Institute  3. Combating Anti-Americanism: American Foundations and Public Diplomacy  4. In the Line of Fire: US Think Tanks, the War on Terror and Anti-Americanism  5. Anti-Americanism and Popular Culture  6. Culture or Power Politics? Post-Cold War Anti-Americanism in Russia  Part 2: Security and Anti-Americanism  7. Fear and Loathing in Brussels: The Political Consequences of European Anti-Americanism  8. Anti-Americanism and International Security: Indications in International Public Opinion  Part 3: Regional and Country Studies  9. A Thermostatic Dynamic? Electoral Outcomes and Anti-Americanism in Canada  10. Allies but not Friends: Anti-Americanism in Australia  11. Anti-Americanism and Regionalism in East Asia  12. US-Latin American Trade Relations: Path to the Future or Dead End Street?  13. Anti-Americanism in Greece  14. Anti-Americanism in France