A comprehensive look at the phenomenon of anti-Americanism, this set offers contributions from more than 40 scholars in a variety of disciplines. Edited by O'Connor, a well-published political scientist, this work clearly shows that the current wave of anti-Americanism is not without precedent. O'Connor argues that anti-Americanism is often based on prejudice and ideological overtones. Therefore, one of the work's ... Read moregoals is to distinguish between legitimate critiques of US policy and anti-Americanism, thereby creating a more sophisticated discourse. Authors look at anti-Americanism from a variety of perspectives and show that the phenomenon is multifaceted and complex. Overall, the work dispels what O'Connor calls the fallacy that anti-Americanism is a creation of the Bush administration….Readers looking for a comprehensive, scholarly overview of anti-Americanism, covering a variety of issues, will likely be satisfied with this set. It is well written and well footnoted. Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty.
Choice
Since 9/11, there has been a relative upsurge in published writing about anti-Americanism. The sources and causes, however, are more complicated than recent terrorist events can explain. These four volumes each consisting of about a dozen substantial scholarly political and cultural arguments and opposing viewpointspresent an objective and balanced exploration of anti-Americanism….The content is as appropriate for assigned class readings as it is for reference consultation. The set would make a valuable addition to any academic library that serves public policy, international relations, or history departments.
Library Journal
Understanding how the United States is viewed around the world is a complex topic that most Americans cannot grasp, but this work connects them with the perception….O'Connor and the contributors provide the realization: anti-American sentiment is both a response to the values and beliefs associated with the United States as well as a reaction to perceived American misdeeds or offenses.
American Reference Books Annual
This engaging collection is an invaluable resource for academics as well as the everyday American.
Kirkus Reviews
The four volumes presented by O'Connor are intended to demonstrate the scope of the issues raised by the concept of anti-Americanism and to illustrate the nature and variety of the debates and perspectives brought to bear on the topic, especially in its historical dimensions. The volumes, each of which contains some 10 to 13 chapters, are thematically constructed.
Reference & Research Book News
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