The purpose of this thesis is to explore the ideological aspects of anti-Americanism by comparing left- and right-wing anti-Americanism in Western Europe.
Based on theoretical analysis and previous research, a framework is established from which an analysis is carried out, with a distinction being made between American values and American actions. The tested hypotheses state that left-wing anti-Americanism is primarily opposed to American values, while right-wing anti-Americanism is more hostile towards American actions. The study finds that left-wing anti-Americanism comes predominantly from the authoritarian Left representing a fundamental difference in values, while right-wing anti-Americanism comes largely in a nationalist form and represents a more situational opposition. This supports the established hypotheses.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction: an ideological perspective on anti-Americanism...
- I) Beyond American foreign policy.
- II) Definitions and theoretical framework.
- 1. Americanism and anti-Americanism.......
- 2. Political ideologies and America..
- 3. Theoretical framework
- III) Left and right-wing anti-Americanism.
- 1. Values - what America is...
- a. Economy.
- b. Culture..
- 2. Actions - what America does..
- a. Global hegemony..
- b. Foreign Policy...........
- 1. Values - what America is...
- IV) Conclusion: A clash of ideas and globalization resentment .
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The primary objective of this study is to compare and contrast left-wing and right-wing anti-Americanism in Western Europe, focusing on the ideological underpinnings of these sentiments. By examining the historical and contemporary roots of these differing perspectives, the study aims to shed light on the role of ideologies in shaping anti-American attitudes.
- The influence of political ideologies on anti-Americanism.
- The distinction between anti-Americanism directed at American values and that focused on American actions.
- The historical development of anti-Americanism in Western Europe.
- The contemporary manifestations of left-wing and right-wing anti-Americanism.
- The relationship between globalization, economic factors, and anti-American sentiment.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: an ideological perspective on anti-Americanism: This chapter introduces the study by examining the prevalence of anti-Americanism in Western Europe, despite the historical role of the United States as a protector and ally. It highlights the post-Cold War shift in the global landscape and the increasing relevance of understanding the ideological differences in anti-American perspectives.
- I) Beyond American foreign policy: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining and analyzing anti-Americanism, acknowledging its multifaceted nature and historical context. It discusses the difficulties in operationalizing anti-American sentiment and distinguishes it from mere criticism of U.S. foreign policy.
- II) Definitions and theoretical framework: This chapter establishes a theoretical framework for the study, defining key concepts such as Americanism, anti-Americanism, and the ideological distinctions between left- and right-wing perspectives. It introduces the concept of distinguishing between American values and actions, providing a foundation for the subsequent analysis.
- III) Left and right-wing anti-Americanism: This chapter explores the specific values and actions of the United States that contribute to left-wing and right-wing anti-Americanism. It examines how economic systems, cultural values, global hegemony, and foreign policy contribute to these contrasting perspectives.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this study include anti-Americanism, political ideologies, Western Europe, socialism, capitalism, conservatism, liberalism, nationalism, and Marxism. The analysis explores the interplay of these concepts in shaping and understanding the distinct forms of left-wing and right-wing anti-Americanism.
- Quote paper
- Reto Friedli (Author), 2015, Anti-Americanism and Political Ideologies. A Comparative Analysis of Left- and Right-Wing Anti-Americanism in Western Europe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/308319
