American Exceptionalism: Essential Context for National Security Strategy Development

摘要

The current 'National Security Strategy of the United States of America' is not, as stated, a comprehensive representation of 'unique American internationalism.' However, there are key components of American national character that give rise to the notion of 'American exceptionalism' that are evident when one examines American historical political thought. Four threads of entrenched American character emerge: a belief in the ethical importance of American elements of national power as means and ends in themselves; a belief in the universal applicability of liberal values and institutions to mankind; a belief in the ethic of reciprocity as a normative means to achieve positive interactions among nations; and a belief in the value of maintaining strategic flexibility in an increasingly complex strategic environment. These ethical and value-based tenets are constants that historically influenced U.S. international behavior through the medium of four international relations theories: classical realism, classical liberalism, isolationism, and idealism. Examination of the contemporary international environment reveals a disconnection between U.S. values and traditions and current strategies. The author argues that the four tenants identified above should form a foundation for current and future U.S. strategy development, and should therefore be included in the U.S. Army War College Strategy Formulation Model.