A new American narrative

Abstract

The Founding Fathers gave birth to an American narrative in domestic and foreign affairs. It was marked by hope and optimism, economic expansion through foreign trade and a foreign policy marked by a desire to avoid entangling alliances. Over time this narrative has shifted, especially regarding the purpose of American foreign policy and the criteria for intervening in the politics of other nations. This paper explores the two narratives and draws comparison between them. Finally the authors determine if and how the new meta-narrative recasts US foreign policy in a way more amenable to the desires of the American public.

Keywords:

• American exceptionalism
• United States foreign policy
• American narrative
• American power
• soft power

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adam B. Lowther

Dr Adam B. Lowther is a Research Professor at the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) at Maxwell Air Force Base. He is the author of Americans and Asymmetric Warfare: Lebanon, Somalia, and Afghanistan and the editor of three additional books. Dr Lowther has also written numerous peer reviewed articles, policy journal articles, commentaries, and editorials for academic, professional, and general audiences. He specializes in nuclear policy and airpower issues, but maintains an active interest in China’s role in the world and American defense and foreign policy.

Casey Lucius

Casey Lucius is an Associate Professor of Theater Security Decision Making in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval War College in Monterey, California. Prior to her academic work, Dr Lucius worked for the State Department as the Operations Assistant to the Ambassador at the US Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam. She also was a Naval Intelligence officer worked as the intelligence liaison, and worked as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. She has conducted research in China and Vietnam and has published a book titled Vietnam’s Political Process: How Education Shapes Decision Making (Routledge Press, 2009). Dr Lucius serves on several boards and is the cofounder of a nonprofit that focuses on humane education in developing countries.