A HISTORY OF THE SELF-CONTRADICTORY NATIONALISM OF THE U.S.

Abstract

This paper constructs a genealogy of American nationalism that follows major historical events and periods, from the genesis of nationalism since the country’s early state-building to the War on Terror in response to September 11th attacks in 2001. It argues that as an overarching, singular and generic term, American nationalism is paradoxical since it is a configuration of contradictory forces striving for equality and supremacy, unity and division. By organizing the discussion chronologically, the paper emphasizes how nationalism has been shaped by historical contexts. Through a critical, extensive review of relevant historiographies and scholarly research, it identifies contradictory forces that have emerged and persisted in the history of American nationalism, including civic-political nationalism and various forms of ethnic nationalism. The lens of self-contradictory nationalism contributes to nuanced understanding of American nationalism as a discourse for power struggle, meaning, and identity.