Exceptionalism By Stephen Walt Summary

America claimed to be the saver of the world. The Nation, that is highly superior to all others. But is it? Stephen M. Walt shows he greatly disagrees with this belief in his article, “THE MYTH OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM.” Walt claims that America is not nearly as great as Americans believe, and that America as a whole chooses to hide their shameful past. This counter idea about America is proven to be very truthful. However, America is a very exceptional country at the same time. Exceptionalism, although believed to be given to America only, is not unique for America but for all countries. Stephen M. Walt counters the beliefs of America being “exceptionally exceptional” by portraying how the idea of American exceptionalism is no

Walt creates is that America’s success is due to its special genius. Walt describes how America believes they owe their great prosperity to the founding fathers, and the brave soldiers who fought and earned our freedom. However, he argues that America’s success is entirely due the the chance and fortunate benefits that accompanied it. Walt states in his article that, “It was lucky to have been founded far from the other great powers and even luckier that the native population was less advanced and highly susceptible to European diseases.” This quote clearly depicts Walt’s opinion about the American foundation. Walt’s point is both correct and incorrect at the same time. Although America is very fortunate to have had the advantages against the native Americans She did, America as a country was not fully isolated from other world powers around the Globe. America, during the Revolutionary War, was burdened with the conflict against Britain in order to claim the new land as America. A quote from George Washington which is found in the “Journal of The American Revolution” states, “For it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely less.” In his quote, Washington describes the vast numbers of British troops fighting against the new

he describes the actual effects of America, starting by supporting the idea of America’s hero like qualities and agreeing that America has contributed great deals to the world in World War Two and many other times in history. After Walt explains the reasoning for the belief of America Contribution, he then explains his point of view. Walt describes that although America did help win the war, the damage caused from the war was entirely in Europe and America did not suffer the same as Europe did. Walt also states that America, while believing to be doing the right thing, has also helped multiple communist leaders for their conquest in Africa. Although America is a large contributor to the world, Walt is correct in claiming that America is not responsible for most of the good in the world. However, America is a unique country that strives to help the unfortunate situations and peoples around the world. According to The U.S. Aid, President Obama stated, “We pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean water flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.” This quote from Obama presents the heart of the American nation and it’s want to give good to the less fortunate countries around the world. Walt is correct in describing that Americans incorrectly believe they are responsible for most of the good in the world, but