America Embattled -September 11and Anti- Americansim

What causes anti-Americanism and where are its historical roots? What is the impact of September 11 on America’s sense of itself and its role in the world? Is America, paradoxically, a victim of its own political and economic power? This book seeks to understand the terrible attacks of September 11 within a broader historical, political and ideological context. Rather than drawing on a simple ‘clash of civilisations’ opposition, the author argues that it is important to have an awareness of the complex historical processes that influence: • America’s sense of itself and its changing view of the world; • How the world, especially the Muslim world, views America; and • The changing nature of international politics and the global system since the end of the Cold War. Drawing on a wide variety of contemporary and historical sources, Richard Crockatt has written a balanced, subtle, and highly readable book which provides genuine insight into American foreign policy, anti-Americanism, and Islamic fundamentalism. It will be important reading for all those seeking to understand the background to the ‘war on terror’.