What They Think of Us: International Perceptions of the United States since 9/11

by David R. Farber (Editor)

It has never been more important for Americans to understand why the world both hates and loves the United States. In "What They Think of Us," a remarkable group of writers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Latin America describes the world's profoundly ambivalent attitudes toward the United States--before and since 9/11.

While many people around the world continue to see the United States as a model despite the Iraq war and the war on terror, the U.S. response to 9/11 has undoubtedly intensified global anti-Americanism. "What They Think of Us" reveals that substantial goodwill toward America still exists, but that this sympathy is in peril--and that there is an immense gap between how Americans view their country and how it is viewed abroad.

Drawing on broad research and personal experience while avoiding anecdotalism and polemics, the writers gathered here combine political, cultural, and historical analysis to explain how people in different parts of the world see the United States. They show that not all anti-Americanism can be blamed on U.S. foreign policy. America is disliked not just for what it does but also for what it is, and perceptions of both are profoundly shaped--and sometimes warped--by the domestic realities of the countries where anti-Americanism thrives. In addition to analyzing America's battered global reputation, these writers propose ways the United States and other countries can build better relations through greater understanding and respect.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jos · Rating 2 out of 5]

While educational, this book was not the least bit entertaining or interesting to read. Most of the topics were things I had already learned about through my experience as a former student of American public schools. As a result of reading this book, I gained some cultural awareness, insight, and expanded my understanding of worldview of the USA. However, the overarching topics were those that I was familiar with. Therefore, this book is only worthy of 2 stars from me.