Description
Book SynopsisHistory offers ample proof of AmericaOs pride and prejudice, a twin handicap that prevents effective communication with the rest of the world. Using literature, political science, philosophy, and humor, the book explores some of the reasons for AmericaOs current predicament. It ends, however, on a positive note, describing some heartening initiatives, and expressing confidence in the sustaining power of the American spirit. Dr. Pilon''s analysis should prove useful to scholars and practitioners, indeed to anyone interested in improving the interaction between America and the world.
Trade ReviewJuliana Pilon brings substantial doses of international political experience and wisdom to bear on the vexing question of how America can do a better job of making itself understood in the world. Her ideas cut across stale partisan lines of debate and offer a host of practical ways for moving forward. -- Thomas Carothers, Vice President for Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
How can the country that attracts immigrants from around the world—many of whom risk their lives to take on marginal and difficult lives as illegals—be concurrently hated by so many others? Juliana Pilon provides provocative insights into one of the world's true "love/hate" relationships and points to the many missteps, some thoughtless, others cynical and calculated, that contribute to international ambivalence about the United States, its policies, and its culture. In the last in particular, Dr. Pilon draws needed attention to the global impacts, intended or otherwise, of a popular culture that is often as diffucult for others to ignore as it is for Americans to defend. -- William Nolte, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland and former Chancellor, National Intelligence University System
Juliana Pilon offers a sober and insightful analysis with solid recommendations on how to reverse the declining perception of the United States overseas. This is a must read for anyone who is concerned about how these perceptions are adversely impacting the U.S. role in the world and looking for concrete ideas about what to do about it. -- Kevin F. F. Quigley, President, National Peace Corps Association
. . . a nonpolemical, evenhanded, and folksy critique of an America that failed to practice effective "global outreach" . . . Recommended. -- L.S. Hunt * CHOICE *
A contribution to studies about U.S./world relations. -- Alexander J. Groth, research professor of political science, University of California, Davis
Why America Is Such a Hard Sell is a thoughtful analysis of the world situation and why America's world reputation is tarnished. Juliana Pilon offers hopeful and practical ways of combating this image problem. This book is important because Pilon stays above the political fray, giving her solutions an air of legitimacy rarely seen in contemporary analysis. Pilon's compassion is like a beacon of hope for everyone in this divided world. I strongly encourage everybody to read this book. -- Ambassador Akbar S. Ahmed, American University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface: On a Personal Note Chapter 2 Why America is Such a Hard Sell: An Overview Chapter 3 Introduction: America's Mixed Legacy Part 4 I. Why America is Such a Hard Sell Chapter 5 1. How Can You Tell? Chapter 6 2. It's Them, Not Us Chapter 7 3. Consumerism Uber Alles Chapter 8 4. Empire Lite and Not-So-Lite Chapter 9 5. Watch Out for the Entertainment Chapter 10 6. The Nonstarter Solutions: More Pride and Prejudice Part 11 II. The Legacy of Pride Chapter 12 7. History of a Paradox Chapter 13 8. Americans Self-Exiled to Self-Sufficiency Chapter 14 9. Exceptionalist Nationalism Chapter 15 10. Too Proud to Play Hardball at the U.N. Chapter 16 11. Strategic Public Diplomacy: Just for Dummies? Chapter 17 12. The Price of Pride Part 18 III. The Legacy of Prejudice Chapter 19 13. Why Learn about Others? Chapter 20 14. No Place Like Home Chapter 21 15. Biased against Intelligence Part 22 IV. Public Diplomacy the Hard Way Chapter 23 16. Soft Power for Softies? Chapter 24 17. Misreading Machiavelli Chapter 25 18. Speakers-in-Chief Define the New World Chapter 26 19. Presidential Highlights from the Three World Wars Chapter 27 20. Post-Cold War Semantic Impasse Part 28 V. Opting for Sense and Sensibility Chapter 29 21. Is the United States Really Such a "Hard Sell"? Chapter 30 22. Global Strategic Outreach: Doing It Right Chapter 31 23. False Sensibility vs. True Sense Chapter 32 24. The Five (or Six) Basic Rules of Global Strategic Outreach Chapter 33 Conclusion: Not for Sale
