In Defense of America

by Bronwen Maddox

The world has turned against the United States. Anti-American sentiments have swept the globe. Foreign leaders, pundits, and ordinary people decry the United States, at best proclaiming their heartbreak that the American values they once admired have vanished, and at worst condemning America as a criminal state beyond redemption. The invasion of Iraq, America's refusal to sign the Kyoto accords, detention without trial in Guantanamo and torture in Abu Ghraib, the spread of American movies and fast food into every corner of the globe--all have contributed to a feeling that the United States, once a force for good in the world, is abusing its position as the world's sole superpower. How wrong they are.In this provocative, brilliant book, acclaimed foreign affairs columnist Bronwen Maddox shows how critics of America take the best of it for granted and exaggerate the worst. They give the United States too little credit for their own freedom and wealth, and struggle to fend off a monolithic American culture that does not exist. She shows how opponents often unfairly equate American mistakes with moral failings, and how the United States frequently makes its own case badly, even when it is on strong ground. And she reveals a world in danger of fighting to keep the giant at bay, when the harder task is to give America good reason to keep engaged. Persuasive and important, In Defense of Americais essential reading for anyone who cares about our place in the world, and our future.

Genres: Politics

Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Musa Jamshed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found at an Airbnb, gave it a try and truly tried to give it a chance... but boy oh boy. Almost every single one of the shaky claims made looks laughable 12 years later. Lots of defense of the shady Clinton-Bush era, reminds me exactly what gave rise to Obama and Trump. Not that there’s nothing to defend about America but this isn’t it.

Also, there are random Islamophobic comments thrown in for no apparent reason. I guess that was normal at that time - not cool.

[Sighris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend that every citizen of the USA read "In Defense of America" by Bronwen Maddox (who lives in the UK). It is a quick read {223 small pages (4.5x7") with relatively big font}. For more info see my review on Amazon.com which will come out in a few days... I will try to remember to repost it here. ;)

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book to remind you of all the reasons why America is still a great country and why we should be proud to live here. Doesn't sugar-coat serious issues like Guantanamo Bay or the war in Iraq either. I liked the author's viewpoints.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Bronwen of The Times, whom I admire, does her best in a hopeless situation. I think I must buy the new Naomi Klein tomorrow.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

As written by an American living abroad and writing for the London Times.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly as the title claims, a defense of America and her current position in the world, as well as a constructive critique of where America goes astray.

[M]

I see they are not happy with Guantanamo..this is before Obama..looking forward to reading it.