PACS - Exceptionalism (4 Explanations)

Exceptionalism : 

Exceptionalism Based on American Exceptionalism and Human Rights Michael Ignatieff, Ed., Princeton University Press, 2005.

What are the reasonsfor U.S. exceptionalism? : 

What are the reasonsfor U.S. exceptionalism? Here are the 4+ main explanations

1. Realism:RealpolitikPower is paramount : 

1. Realism:RealpolitikPower is paramount We do because we can! Powerful states aren’t subject to constraints of weak states. It’s not strategic to adopt anything that could limit sovereignty. BUT …

BUT … Realism continued…_ : 

BUT … Realism continued…_ We’ve promoted system of multilateral engagements (human rights treaties, etc.) that constrain our sovereignty.

SOoooooooo … : 

SOoooooooo … Realpolitikalone cannot account for the paradox of American participation in a system that constrains its power. SO WHAT CAN ACCOUNT FOR IT????!

2. Maybe it’s Culture? (Idealpolitik) : 

2. Maybe it’s Culture? (Idealpolitik) Messianic cultural tradition: US values have universal significance. Therefore America has a special role in promoting rights abroad.

“City on the Hill” : 

“City on the Hill” We are a a beacon of light to other nations. We have mission, an identity, and a distinctive destiny as a free people.

Slide 9: 

Fullfill Messianic Mission: promote American values abroad protect them fromforeign interference at home.

multilateralism & international law : 

multilateralism & international law

Culture (con’t.) … : 

Culture (con’t.) … U.S. is last imperial ideology left standing.

Slide 12: 

French, British & Soviet imperial ideologies

Sincere desire to share our ways is seen as interfering & bossy. : 

Sincere desire to share our ways is seen as interfering & bossy.

Unwanted help : 

Unwanted help

4. The influence of evangelical Christians on US politics : 

4. The influence of evangelical Christians on US politics

Slide 19: 

5.Another possibility? Kapitalpolitik

Kapitalpolitik : 

Kapitalpolitik U.S action in support or opposition to HR is shaped by corporate / industry interests.

In conclusion … : 

In conclusion … Peace and Conflict Studies, being a value-oriented discipline, would argue that the phenomenon of exceptionalismwith regard to human rights is not in the moral or security interests of the United States. Particular areas of national security “blowback” would be: 1) exemptionalism: Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions 2) “double standards:” support of oppressive regimes