000 02193cam a2200253 a 4500
999 _c1712
_d1712
001 228213963
008 081118s2008 enka b 001 0 eng
010 _a2008300329
020 _a0745642500 (hbk.)
020 _a9780745642505 (hbk.)
020 _a0745642519 (pbk.)
020 _a9780745642512 (pbk.)
040 _aUKM
_cUKM
_dDLC
_dYDXCP
_dBAKER
_dCDX
_dBWKUK
_dBWK
_dBWX
_dBTCTA
_dIXA
_dNLGGC
_dUtOrBLW
082 _222
_a320.973
100 1 _aFabbrini, Sergio.
245 1 0 _aAmerica and its critics :
_bvirtues and vices of the democratic hyperpower /
_cSergio Fabbrini.
264 1 _aCambridge, UK ;
_aMalden, Mass. :
_bPolity,
_c[2008]
264 4 _cc2008
300 _ax, 222 pages :
_billustrations ;
_c24 cm
336 _atext
_btxt
_2rdacontent
520 _aNo other country in the world evokes such contrasting sentiments as the United States of America. This is not new, but it has become particularly virulent in recent years. The reason is simple: after the end of the cold war America has remained the only super power in the world. Or rather, it has become a veritable hyper-power without apparent limits to the exercise of its power. The fate of the world lies in large part in its hands. This book analyses the most widespread criticisms of American democracy -- namely , that it is plebiscitary, devoid of voters, unduly favours the rich, and imperial. It shows that these criticisms fail to hit the mark. Yet even if its vices are fewer and different from what its critics often claim, American democracy cannot be read as an exemplary catalogue of virtues, as its apologists would have it. Resting on contradictions rather than coherence, American democracy cannot be seen as a model and even less as an ideology. Rather it should be understood as a method. Clearing away the misunderstandings and prejudices that cloud contemporary debates about America, this book brings out with exceptional clarity the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the American democratic experience. In a century when no country can hope to escape from the influence of American power, it is vital to understand both. -- Back cover.
650 0 _aDemocracy
_zUnited States.
942 _2ddc
_cBK