Exceptional America: What Divides Americans from the World and from Each Other by Mugambi Jouet explores the deep ideological and cultural divides that set the United States apart from other developed nations. Jouet, a French-American legal scholar, examines the concept of American exceptionalism— the belief that the U.S. is fundamentally different or superior to other countries—and how this notion has contributed to the country’s unique political polarization. The book delves into topics such as healthcare, religion, gun control, social inequality, and mass incarceration, comparing U.S. policies and attitudes to those of other Western democracies. Jouet also investigates how historical and cultural factors have shaped America’s distinct path. Exceptional America offers a nuanced analysis of how these divisions are affecting the nation’s unity and place in the world, providing a global perspective on why Americans are increasingly divided from both each other and the international community.

ISBN: 9780520293298