Promised Land, Crusader State

By Walter McDougall,

Book cover of Promised Land, Crusader State: The American Encounter with the World Since 1776

Book description

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Walter McDougall reinterprets the traditions that have shaped U.S. foreign policy from 1776 to the present in "an entertaining and iconoclastic fashion" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

In a concise analysis, McDougall divides American diplomatic history into two stages, which he calls "Old Testament" and "New Testament" phases.

The "Old…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Promised Land, Crusader State as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book boasts the world’s greatest title. With just four words, McDougall’s title describes our trajectory as a country. We started as a beacon and example to others, only to (d)evolve into trying to get others to become more like us. In one sense, our impulse to convert others is laudable; it’s admirable that we want everyone to benefit from capitalism and democracy as much as we do.

But what happens when our values, beliefs, and practices don’t suit others? McDougall does an unparalleled job of revealing the costs to them and to us.   

Want books like Promised Land, Crusader State?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 83 books like Promised Land, Crusader State.

Browse books like Promised Land, Crusader State

Book cover of Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed the World
Book cover of Lords of Poverty: The Power, Prestige, and Corruption of the International Aid Business
Book cover of Backfire: A History of How American Culture Led Us Into Vietnam and Made Us Fight the Way We Did

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,535

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New Testament, Jesus, and the Bible?

New Testament 51 books
Jesus 244 books
The Bible 368 books