Mugambi Jouet

Theorizing American Exceptionalism

Introduction

Theorizing american exceptionalism. Theorize American exceptionalism, exploring its comparative & ideological meanings across disciplines. Understand US distinctiveness, polarization, and impact on issues like healthcare & race.

Abstract

‘American exceptionalism’ has become a ubiquitous concept in multiple fields of research. Complicating the picture, it has distinct definitions. To many scholars, ‘exceptionalism’ means that America is comparatively an ‘exception’. This non-normative definition refers to attributes interpretable positively or negatively. Conversely, many other scholars and much of the public interpret ‘American exceptionalism’ as a faith in American superiority. However, the diverse lines of exceptionalism scholarship are organized into separate fields that are hardly in dialogue, from history to law, criminology, sociology, political science, economics, international relations, American Studies, and beyond. This article therefore offers an interdisciplinary historiography and intellectual history of American exceptionalism that connects the dots between different fields by pointing to interrelationships not always apparent at first glance. The latest research notably addresses the United States’ distinctive evolution compared to other Western democracies or the wider world, including its growing polarization over numerous fundamental issues, such as abortion, health care, religion, race, criminal justice, guns, foreign policy, and authoritarianism. The article simultaneously explores the interplay between the comparative and ideological meanings of exceptionalism. In particular, scholars have suggested that the belief that America is ‘exceptional’ in the sense of exemplary has historically shaped distinctive behavior. Once placed in dialogue, separate fields each offer their own insights on American exceptionalism while helping nuance each other’s conclusions, thereby offering a broader understanding of a multifaceted subject. Keywords: American Exceptionalism, Democracy, Polarization, Comparative History, International Relations

Review

This article, "Theorizing American Exceptionalism," addresses a critically important and persistently debated concept that has become ubiquitous across a wide array of academic disciplines. The abstract clearly articulates the central problem: the concept's distinct and often conflicting definitions—ranging from a non-normative comparative attribute (America as an 'exception') to an ideological belief in American superiority—and the profound fragmentation of scholarship across fields. The article's stated objective to provide an interdisciplinary historiography and intellectual history is highly timely and necessary, promising to synthesize disparate lines of inquiry and forge connections that are currently lacking in the literature. This foundational effort is crucial for fostering a more coherent and comprehensive understanding of American exceptionalism. A key strength evident from the abstract is the article's ambition to bridge the significant disciplinary divides, from history and sociology to international relations and law. By explicitly aiming to "connect the dots" and point to "interrelationships not always apparent at first glance," the authors are poised to offer a fresh perspective that transcends traditional academic silos. The abstract highlights the article's focus on the United States' distinctive evolution compared to other Western democracies, particularly in relation to growing polarization over fundamental issues like abortion, healthcare, and race. Furthermore, the exploration of the interplay between the comparative and ideological meanings of exceptionalism—specifically how the belief in America as an 'exemplary' nation has shaped distinctive behavior—is a vital contribution that promises to deepen our understanding of this complex phenomenon. This article promises to be an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike, offering a much-needed integrated framework for understanding American exceptionalism. By placing diverse fields in dialogue, it is anticipated to not only offer nuanced insights but also help refine the conclusions drawn within individual disciplines, thereby cultivating a broader and more sophisticated understanding of this multifaceted subject. The article's focus on contemporary issues like polarization ensures its relevance, while its historical and intellectual sweep provides essential context. This integrative approach is overdue and will undoubtedly stimulate new research directions and foster a more robust theoretical engagement with American exceptionalism. I highly recommend this article for its significant potential to advance scholarship in this crucial area.

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