Translating American Exceptionalism: Comparing Presidential Discourse About the United States at Home and Abroad

Authors

  • Jason Gilmore Lecturer University of Washington

Keywords:

presidential discourse, American exceptionalism, international relations, public diplomacy

Abstract

This study provides a comparative perspective on the ways U.S. presidents have communicated the idea of American exceptionalism for American and international audiences. I argue that U.S. presidents strategically highlight this culturally potent idea in both domestic and international speeches, but in different ways. To examine these dynamics, I content-analyzed presidential speeches delivered in domestic and foreign contexts since 1933. The study provides comparative perspectives on (a) how themes of American Exceptionalism have been used in domestic versus international speeches and (b) how U.S. presidents seek out diplomatic ways to “translate” American exceptionalism to communicate this potent national idea to foreign audiences.

Author Biography

Jason Gilmore, Lecturer University of Washington

Jason is a lecturer at the University of Washington where he recently recieved a Ph.D. in Communication. His research focuses on the strategic creation, dissemination, and effects of emotionally potent national and international ideas that are regularly communicated within and across national borders.

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Published

2014-10-30

Issue

Vol. 8 (2014)

Section

Articles

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