F0613 Americanism, Americanization, Anti-Americanism: Transatlantic Relations in the Age of Globalization

Since the end of the Cold War, but particularly since September 11th, 2001 the role of the USA as the self-proclaimed „benevolent hegemon\" is under global scrutiny. Americanism or rather American exceptionalism have become controversial again, not only in America, but the world over.\r\n

Even before these dates Anti-Americanism hovered like a shadow over the Americanization debate, fed by steady resentments caused by the not-yet-quite-understood effects of globalization. Globalization represents for many non-Americans a creeping form of Americanization, an estimate common in Europe or the Third World that Americans, even liberals, steadfastly oppose. Yet, the forces of globalization have inspired new types of Anti-American conspiracy theories around the globe.

\r\nTo sort out the political agendas contained in the political keywords Anti-Americanism, Americanization and Globalization and to identify the diverse processes so described we first need to clear away the historical habits of stereotype which have over the years fossilized in transatlantic narratives. Only after such an archeological anatomy will we be able to distinguish between knee-jerk Anti-Americanism and justified criticism of current US politics or economic policies. Finally, there are certain cognitive differences and transatlantic dissonances in the usage of these terms: the same word may have different political implications on either side of the Atlantic.