Understanding the US Exceptionalism: Past, Present and Future

The Roots of American Self-Perception

When President Ronald Reagan called America a “shining city upon a hill” in 1984, he wasn’t just being poetic — he was drawing on a deeply rooted belief system that has shaped American policy for centuries. This concept, known as American exceptionalism, isn’t just about patriotism; it’s a complex ideology that has profoundly influenced how America acts on the world stage and how it justifies its global role.

Part 1: The Birth of American Exceptionalism

The Puritan Foundation
The story begins in 1630, when John Winthrop told his fellow Puritans their new colony would be a “city upon a hill” — a model for the world. This religious vision of America as a chosen land had lasting effects:

Examples:
- The belief in divine providence in westward expansion
- Missionary zeal in foreign policy
- Moral language in political speeches, from Lincoln to Biden

Revolutionary Origins
The American Revolution wasn’t just a political break from Britain; it created a new kind of nation:
- First modern democracy born in revolution
- Constitution as a revolutionary…