Making the World Safe for Democracy: A Century of Wilsonianism and Its Totalitarian Challengers - Hardcover

Perlmutter, Amos

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807823651 ISBN 13: 9780807823651

Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, 1997

Synopsis

In this interpretive study, Amos Perlmutter offers a comparative analysis of three of the 20th century's most significant world orders: Wilsonianism, Soviet Communism and Nazism. Anchored in three hegemonical states - the United States, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany - these systems, he argues, shared certain characteristics that distinguished them from other attempts to restructure the international political scene. While Communism and Nazism were committed to imperial ideologies, Wilsonianism was inspired by an exceptionalist, peaceful, democratic and free market world order. But all three were able to mobilize industrial, technological and military resources in pursuing their goals. In the process of examining the democratic, Communist and Nazi systems, Perlmutter also provides a framework for understanding US foreign policy over the course of the century, particularly during the Cold War. He underscores the importance of ideology in establishing an international order, arguing that in the wake of the Soviet Union's demise, no system - not even Wilsonianism - can lay claim to the title of new world order.

About this title

Review

"A fine primer on 20th-century world politics. Recommended for general readers, upper-division undergraduates, and graduate students."--"Choice"

"A cautionary tale highlighting the need for continued military preparedness and the political will to use it wisely."--"Military Review"

"Fascinating and insightful. . . . An excellent study which convincingly illustrates the need for pragmatic American engagement in world affairs."--"Virginia Quarterly Review"

"Amos Perlmutter's splendid "Making the World Safe for Democracy" . . . could not be more timely. . . . He writes with concision and authority."--Jacob Heilbrunn, "Wall Street Journal"

"A provocative account of the three 'world orders' that have dominated the century. Perlmutter's erudition and common sense illuminate our times. Clearly written, crisply argued. Highly recommended."--Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, former U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations

About the Author

Amos Perlmutter was professor of political science and sociology at American University. Author of fifteen books on comparative politics and international relations, he was a frequent contributor to such publications as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Edition details

• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0807823651
• ISBN 13: 9780807823651
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 214