America's National Interest: The Politics of Deceit

• Other Authors: Hurst, Dena (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Philosophy
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-3393

This analysis provides a fact-based examination of the doctrine of nationalism and its idol, the national interest, couched within the context of twentieth century wartime presidential speeches and writings. What is significant about this rhetoric is that it provides a clear delineation of the growth of nationalism as America's underlying political ideology and has fueled reliance on the concept of the national interest in guiding foreign affairs. By building public policies around their own perceptions of what is in the public good—perceptions at times motivated by genuine patriotism, but all too often motivated by private interests—America's political leaders have routinely resorted to lies and subterfuge as the means to their nationalist ends. Presidents and their advisers have learned that by exerting their power over the people, by controlling the content and context of political discourse, they can manipulate public opinion, winning support for policies and actions that appear to serve public interests, but in actuality are opposed to what people want or need. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Philosophy in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Fall Semester, 2004. === October 25, 2004. === War, Foreign Policy, Philosophy, American History === Includes bibliographical references. === Donald Hodges, Professor Directing Dissertation; Lance deHaven-Smith, Outside Committee Member; Peter Dalton, Committee Member.