Όψεις της Αμερικανικής εθνικής ταυτότητας στη μεταψυχροπολεμική εποχή : από τον Τζόρτζ Μπους τον νεότερο στον Μπαράκ Ομπάμα

Abstract

This article attempts to outline some aspects of American national identity as reflected in the discourse of U.S. President Barack Obama, and to highlight the differences in relation to the discourse of George W. Bush. Obama promotes a political/ideological reading of American national identity in the post-Cold War era, with the concept of Americanism as its central element. The resurgence of the myth of the “American Dream” is also a basic priority for Obama. Obama implies that the success of this goal requires the strengthening of the federal government and of the presidency institution. Furthermore, he suggests a rather pragmatic approach to the concept of the enemy, which constitutes a significant break with the legacy of his predecessor. Finally, in an effort to overcome the divisive experience of the recent past, he maintains a consensual understanding of national identity, with reference to the American middle class.