Anatol Lieven, Carnegie senior associate, analyzed the diverse and conflicting currents in contemporary American nationalism, arguing that aspects of this nationalism are the greatest present threat to American hegemony in the world -- greater even than the actions of America's enemies. In Lieven's view, American nationalism possesses two souls. The first is an optimistic and universalism civic nationalism based on the values of democracy, law, and individualism. Although a foundation of America's global leadership, this nationalism is flawed by a tendency to messianic and the self-defeating pursuit of absolutist goals on the international stage.

The other strain in American nationalism, by contrast, is pessimistic, embittered, and chauvinist, rooted in citizens who feel they have suffered a series of historical defeats at the hands of modern economic, social, and cultural change.

The event, co-sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the New America Foundation, also included comments by New America's Steve Clemons.

Wednesday, 13 October 2004
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact Jennifer Buntman at 202-986-4901 or via e-mail at buntman@newamerica.net

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