Overview
The United States of America dominates the twenty-first-century world both in military as well as in political power and in its cultural influence as a model of the "good life" and a desired destination for migration. Like previous pre-eminent states, however, the USA also has its enemies and detractors. This was most dramatically manifested in the attacks on Washington and New York of September 11, 2001. But there are many more critics who, while appalled by such terrorist atrocities, are concerned by the cultural impact of the United States on traditional values and, especially since the election of George W. Bush as President, by increasing signs of unilateralism in foreign policy and an apparent retreat from international commitments and cooperation. Contemporary America provides a lively but learned introduction to the culture, economy, society, politics, and world role of the United States, all carefully set in historical context. Russell Duncan and Joseph Goddard offer balanced and provocative discussions of American diversity and community, of the importance and role of immigration, race and religion, and of the distinctive features of the US system of government and its economic and social structure. Illustrated throughout with relevant photographs, maps, charts, tables and boxes, this broad-ranging text covers everything from rock music to national parks and from media corporations to Medicare and is an ideal starting-point in American studies for students and interested general readers alike.Synopsis
Duncan and Goddard (both of the U. of Copenhagen, Denmark) present a general introduction to U.S. politics and society that seems, for the most part, to be written for a European audience. Similarly structured to other books of its type, the text carries chapters on history; land and people; government; the political system; society; religion, education, and social policy; culture; the economy; and foreign policy. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Editorials
From the Publisher
Reviews of previous editions:"[C]ogent and well balanced...All the basics...of the nation's major contours are here - and then some...[A]nyone reading the volume - wehether new student or experienced scholar - will come away from it better informed." — Dale Carter, The Newsletter of the Nordic Association for American Studies
"Russell Duncan and Joseph Goddard write well and cover a great deal of ground in a text with high production values and a clear design...Contemporary America has the feel of Lonely Planet meets the Economist Intelligence Unit. It tells you all manner of things you ought to know, interspersed with an ecletic series of digressions that act as outings to the main journey. Photographs...supplement the lively pace of a cultural tour guide whose enthusiasm for broad themes and intriguing minutiae remains gloriously undiminished over 300 pages." — Michael Foley, Times Higher Education Supplement