Promised Land, Crusader State: The American Encounter with the World Since 1776 by walter a. mcdougall

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This is a great way to fit all of American foreign policy history pre-9/11 into a conceptual camp.

By doing so, we can better understand the patterns and trends that have shaped the United States' approach to the rest of the world.

We can analyze how different administrations have dealt with various international challenges, from the Cold War to regional conflicts.

This conceptual framework allows us to see the big picture and identify the key factors that have influenced American foreign policy.

It also helps us to compare and contrast different periods and administrations, and to understand the evolution of American foreign policy over time.

Overall, this is a useful and innovative way to study American foreign policy history pre-9/11.

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Layafette

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

If someone is writing a book on American foreign policy based around the Old & New Testament, that’s your first red flag to put the book down.

The Old and New Testaments are religious texts that have their own significance and teachings within the realm of faith. However, when it comes to analyzing and understanding American foreign policy, which is a complex and multifaceted subject influenced by a wide range of political, economic, social, and strategic factors, basing it solely on religious texts is highly inappropriate and inaccurate.

American foreign policy is shaped by the nation's interests, international relations, power dynamics, and the decisions and actions of its leaders and policymakers. It requires a comprehensive and objective examination of historical events, current affairs, and the various forces at play. Relying on religious texts to explain and interpret foreign policy can lead to a one-sided and distorted view,忽略了现实世界的复杂性和多样性.

Therefore, when you come across a book that claims to base its analysis of American foreign policy on the Old and New Testament, it is wise to be skeptical and put the book down. Look for more reliable and comprehensive sources that approach the subject from a more rational and evidence-based perspective.

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Snivius

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Re-read this, and it's still good.

This simple statement holds a certain truth. When we take the time to re-read something, whether it's a book, an article, or a passage, we often discover new details and insights that we may have missed the first time around.

It's like looking at a familiar painting with fresh eyes. We notice the fine brushstrokes, the colors that blend together, and the emotions that the artist is trying to convey.

Re-reading also helps us to better understand the content. We can clarify any misunderstandings, fill in the gaps in our knowledge, and gain a deeper appreciation for the author's perspective.

So, the next time you come across something that you think is good, don't be afraid to re-read it. You might be surprised at what you find.

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deadeater

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This article is not only an easy read but also extremely informative.

It presents a wealth of knowledge in a straightforward and accessible manner.

The content is presented in a way that makes it easy for the reader to understand and absorb.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field, you will find something of value in this article.

It covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed explanations and examples.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the information in a clear and concise way, without sacrificing depth or complexity.

Overall, this is a great article that is well worth reading.

It will expand your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, and leave you with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

So, if you are looking for an easy read that is also very informative, look no further than this article.

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DarkLordofYuri

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

An Enjoyable Survey of U.S. Foreign Policy

U.S. foreign policy has always been a topic of great interest and significance. It shapes the nation's relationships with other countries around the world and has a profound impact on global affairs.

This survey provides an enjoyable and engaging exploration of U.S. foreign policy. It delves into the various aspects of the country's diplomatic strategies, from its alliances and partnerships to its military interventions and economic policies.

Readers will gain a better understanding of the historical context and the current state of U.S. foreign policy. They will also discover the different perspectives and debates surrounding key issues such as national security, human rights, and international cooperation.

Whether you are a student of international relations, a policy enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to learn more about the world, this survey offers a fascinating and informative read.

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KunoYuna

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

An interesting exploration of American History is presented here, along with some fascinating perspectives on the "isms" of American Foreign Policy. However, it is necessary to award it only one star. While the "old" and "new" testament sections of the book offer reasonable support for the presented arguments, the last chapter falls short. It provides little support, presents shortsighted arguments, makes false historical analogies, ignores system level changes, and fails to take into account the restraints on the achievement of outcomes.

Oh, and by the way, Canadian Providences are never going to join the US! This is an important point that adds an extra layer of context to the discussion. It's crucial to consider the unique political and historical circumstances of different regions when analyzing American Foreign Policy and its implications.

In conclusion, while the book has some redeeming qualities in its earlier sections, the flaws in the last chapter prevent it from receiving a higher rating. It serves as a reminder that a comprehensive and accurate understanding of history and foreign policy requires a careful consideration of all relevant factors.

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aiden9

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This book is better than his follow-up/rewrite, "The Tragedy of US Foreign Policy." At least, this one doesn't engage in pro-Nixon conspiracy theories like that one.

It's a very good book, but not a fantastic one. If I had read it years ago, I might have given it three stars to balance out some of the five-star reviews. After further thought, I'm going to do that anyway, and not just for that reason.

First, I'm not convinced that the Old Testament/New Testament split works as neatly as McDougall claims. The Mexican War was clearly an act of aggression and imperialism, especially since Polk had already written a war message for Congress before learning about Taylor's clash with Mexico in disputed territory. (McDougall doesn't mention this part either.)

Before that, the push for expansion into Canada also undermines some of the themes of his "Old Testament." Of course, McDougall doesn't really touch on that either.

Next, let's look at the New Testament half, specifically his analysis of Wilson. Here, McDougall shows that he is no Walter Karp.

First, regarding the German submarine blockade versus the British blockade by extension, McDougall supports Wilson challenging the Germans but not the Brits, saying "but submarines took lives." However, surface ships would have also taken lives if we had actually tried to break the British blockade. That comment alone cost this book a star.

Then, he gets a few things wrong about the end of WWII.

First, in the Pacific, up until just a couple of months before Hiroshima, Japanese peace feelers to neutral nations were based on keeping all acquisitions through 1920. An "early truce with Tokyo (that) might have contained Soviet power in Asia" wasn't going to happen on that basis.

Second, although Patton may have been the only top-level brass in the ETO who wanted to keep moving east, even to the point of provoking war with the Russians, a number of lower-ranking officers also wanted to do so.

In conclusion, considering the mistakes, the selective readings, and the relatively small size of the book, I'm not sure why there is so much enthusiasm. It's not a bad book, by any means. It's better than two stars, but not more than three.

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Nahte123456

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Despite being published in 1998, McDougall accurately (and almost prophetically) foresees many of the failures of U.S. foreign policy which took place in the first two decades of the twenty-first century.

His insights are truly remarkable, as he was able to anticipate the consequences of certain actions and policies long before they came to fruition.

It is as if he had a crystal ball that allowed him to see into the future and understand the complex dynamics at play in international relations.

Any reader who is interested in a rethink of underlying assumptions regarding America’s role in the world should look to McDougall for guidance.

His work provides a valuable perspective that can help us to better understand the past, present, and future of U.S. foreign policy.

By studying his ideas and arguments, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and perhaps even develop more effective strategies for promoting peace and stability in the world.

Overall, McDougall’s book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about understanding the role of the United States in the global community.

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Promised Land, Crusader State: The American Encounter with the World Since 1776

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