Description
Book SynopsisDespite repeated predictions of the demise of America and the English-speaking nations as the world''s predominant culture, James C. Bennett believes that this gap will widen in the coming decades. Coining the term anglosphere to describe a loose coalition based on a common language and heritage, Bennett believes that traits common to these countriesa particularly strong and independent civil society; openness and receptivity to the world, its people and ideas; and a dynamic economyhave uniquely positioned them to prosper in a time of dramatic technological and scientific change. In a wide-ranging exploration back to the Industrial Revolution and into the future, The Anglosphere Challenge gives voice to a growing movement on both sides of the Atlantic.
Trade ReviewIt is very unusual to come across a genuinely new idea or a really original book. But the central thesis of The Anglosphere Challenge—that a new world order based on cultural affinity is evolving in response to the information revolution—is the most original attempt yet to make sense of the post-cold war world. New and original ideas are often strange or unsettling. Yet when Mr. Bennett has finished making his case, it seems the most obvious common sense. In short, this may be the Next Big Idea. -- John O'Sullivan, editor, The National Interest
The most original foreign policy book of the year . . . James C. Bennett has sketched how the international order might be reshaped by the Internet and the communications revolution—and what allies the United States would have in that new world. * Chicago Sun-Times *
James C. Bennett's book leads one on a journey of discovery disguised as a journey of rediscovery. He lends expression to ideas one feels one has always known, but which were never formulated until Bennett put them into words. -- George Jonas, columnist, National Post (Canada)
It is clear that [James C.] Bennett and [Samuel] Huntington have similar conceptions about the core elements of 'Anglo' culture. But for Bennett, the dynamics of this culture, interacting with the global economy and Internet technology, are driving Americans beyond a mere national identity which is limited to the United States to a transnational identity which is grounded in the dense interrelations—the network commonwealth—among the English-speaking nations. The Anglosphere, Bennett foresees, will be the most coherent, advanced, and effective association of nations of any operating and competing within the global economy and the information age. As such, Bennett projects a more expansive and optimistic future for Americans than that provided by Huntington's analysis. -- James R. Kurth, professor, Swarthmore College * The National Interest, (Fall 2004) *
The first full-length treatment of the idea [of the 'Anglosphere']—and a powerful one. [Bennett's] book is bound to ratchet up serious discussion of it to an altogether higher level—and bring it to a new and larger audience. * New York Post *
James C. Bennett in his pathbreaking book The Anglosphere Challenge sees the contemporary English-speaking world as what he calls a 'network civilization' - that is, a set of countries that shares a common cultural heritage going far beyond language. * The New Criterion *
The Anglosphere Challenge is one of the important books of our time. * National Review *
The volume will be of interest to readers that seek a thorough understanding of the technological revolution of the last few decades and its claimed Anglosphere heritage. * Political Studies Review *
Recommended * CHOICE *
In his book, The Anglosphere Challenge, James C. Bennett talks about a shared set of values in which Magna Carta, trial by jury, "innocent until proven guilty", "a man's home is his castle", and "a man's word is his bond" are common themes. * The Daily Telegraph *
Stresses the pivotal nature of English fluency in the information-age economy to come. -- Dick Morris
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Three Questions about the Future: Answers from the Past Chapter 2 The Internet Era—and Beyond Chapter 3 The Anglosphere and Its Revolutions Chapter 4 Trust, Civil Society, Government, and Cyberspace Chapter 5 The Civic State and the Network Commonwealth Chapter 6 The Anglosphere as a Unique Civilization Chapter 7 The Anglosphere Century
