“美国例外论”的文化背景及其对美国外交的影响

The Cultural Background of American Exceptionism and Its Influence on American Diplomacy

"美国例外论"是根深蒂固于美国文化中的一种普遍信念。它认为美国是一个与众不同的国家。这种思想观念自北美大陆殖民时代就初见端倪,后来经过美国的独立革命、宗教改革等一系列的社会运动,逐渐成为美国人自我认知和文化传统的不可或缺的一部分。对"美国例外论"的内涵及其产生的根源进行系统的分析有助于从整体上把握其现实意义,也能对了解美国的外交政策有所裨益。

American Exceptionism is a deep- rooted idea in American culture. It shows that America is different from other countries in the world. This idea loomed in southern American colonial period. It turned out to be an essential part of American self- image and cultural tradition gradually in the process of such campaigns as Independence Revolution and religion reform. A systematical analysis on the connotation of American Exceptionism and its trajectory is helpful for us to grasp the realistic meaning on the whole. What is more, it does good to our understanding American foreign policy.