🔎American Exceptionalism
What it really is. How it has evolved over time. And why it matters so much to understand the present and anticipate the future.
If you’re new here, it’s time to unsettle you. 😎
TLDR Summary
The original advantage of the US was that it was the first country to understand the potential of fully unleashing human entrepreneurial spirits. It was the first and the most serious to establish a democracy based on liberal values which – in combination with its geographic advantages – allowed it to create the most successful economy in the world.
Once its success became obvious, it started offering a deal to other nations: Join our way, accept our leadership and get a piece of our success. Many nations agreed to that deal, in most cases voluntarily.
Over time, America played its hands more aggressively. In a second iteration of the deal, it started charging these nations for its leadership. Partner countries had to invest in the US. This capital created jobs and income for Americans. And draining it from partner countries impeded their own economic growth. As a result, the US economy kept outperforming its peers further.
We are now witnessing the third iteration of that deal. Other nations still pay to play. But now playing is not voluntary anymore. They are coerced to. It’s the most aggressive way America has ever played its hand. It’s a regime shift that likely won’t end with Trump. Understanding what Americans are doing and why they are doing it will be crucial for anyone with the ambition to build a macro opinion.
Related content from Fallacy Alarm
What is liberalism?
In its literal definition, ‘liberalism’ is about the value of freedom. It’s one of the most butchered and most misunderstood terms in the dictionary though. Today, ‘being a liberal’ has little to do with the original meaning of liberalism. Its definition also changes based on where you are and who you talk to. For example, liberalism is associated with the political left in North America while it’s associated with the political right in Germany and other parts of Europe.
