Introduction
The characteristics of the American identity that set it apart from other contemporary societies, particularly European nation-states, are referred to as American exceptionalism. The goal of the American Revolution was to allow the people and their colonies the freedom to seek their own interests without hindrance from the monarch of England or the other colonies in America (Schweizer, 2022). This type of liberty helped to make America “the country of the free” (Webster et al., 2021). As the notion evolved, the Americans began to collaborate closely with the Jews. The proponents of exclusivity believe that they are obligated to aid the Jews in their quest for the promised country. As a result of these effects and expanding American influence, the United States has developed a strong bond with the Middle East, and its foreign policy there is heavily influenced by American exceptionalism.
Discussion
This particular form of exceptionalism was heavily influenced by several movements and eschatological beliefs and practices from surrounding religions. The biggest portion of the development of the exceptionalism of America was brought and developed by Mormons, while the theological side of the doctrine was based on Protestant and Christian eschatology. Concepts like the chosen country, divine commission, and hallowed territory are derived from Protestant Christian theology and applied to America.
Mormonism’s emergence added to the historical flow that marked America as the chosen nation. Even before the church was formed in 1830, the Book of Mormon was published, providing society with the most durable treatise advocating exclusivity, as well as launching a new religious movement and distinguishing it as a separate type of Christianity (Rogers, 2021). It also provided the fledgling American Republic with a profound feeling of providential control in the minds of Christians (Webster et al., 2021). Joseph Smith reinforced and elaborated on these ideas of America’s distinct mission outside of the Book of Mormon. Other Mormon leaders, such as Ezra Taft Benson, Eisenhower’s Secretary of Agriculture, who referred to America as “the Lord’s headquarters of operations,” disseminated this message (Rogers, 2021). Long before and during the growth of Mormonism, the concept of America as a unique land and nation with a distinct mission and destiny dominated. Over the last 30 years, American politicians and cultural scientists have coined the term “American exceptionalism,” which means that the United States is not only different from other countries but also superior to them; it is the natural leader of the free world.
The US’s long history of involvement in the Middle East resulted in the many manifestations of American exceptionalism in the foreign policy courses and decisions made. After decades of dominating the Middle East, the United States could boast of some notable achievements and bitter setbacks. They had a solid partnership with Israel and reached a deal on peace between Cairo and Jerusalem. Also, the US was the major proponent of advocating for human rights. Many Nobel Prizes have been awarded for American policies in the Middle East (Oren & Oren, 2007).
Conclusion
Nonetheless, from the perspective of many people in the area, the US remained the guardian of harsh autocrats, the benefactor of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, and the promoter of oil-fueled profligacy in the Persian Gulf (Schweizer, 2022). The growing number of terrorist assaults, and continuing War on Terror, poorly managed in Iraq and Afghanistan, became the manifestation of flaws in the exceptionalism doctrine and its weighted execution.
References
Oren, M. B., & Oren, S. F. M. B. (2007). Power, faith, and fantasy: America in the Middle East, 1776 to the present. WW Norton & Company.
Schweizer, K. W. (2022). American Exceptionalism: Origins and Policy Implications. The European Legacy, 1, 7.
Webster, G. D., Howell, J. L., Losee, J. E., Mahar, E. A., & Wongsomboon, V. (2021). Culture, COVID-19, and collectivism: A paradox of American exceptionalism?. Personality and Individual Differences, 178, 110-123.
Rogers, B. M. (2021). MORMONS AND TERRITORIAL POLITICS IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR ERA. A Companion to American Religious History, 3 191-205.