Samuel Huntington Reading Series: The Past, Present, and Future of American Exceptionalism
Designed around one of the classic works on American political thought American Politics: The Promise of Disharmony by Samuel Huntington, the reading group will bring together chapter officers and members nationwide to discuss the past, present, and future of American creed. We will explore the sources, substance, and scope of the values that make up the American national identity. Is American national identity unique? Can we abandon some of those principles and values without ceasing to be American? What are the interconnections of values with foreign policy? The discussion will also examine the relationship between American values and political institutions, and review the efforts of Americans to reconstruct their institutions to make them more truly reflect deeply rooted national ideals.
The reading group is led by Valerian Sikhuashvili, AHS’s academic programs director, and the readings are selected to enable participants to meaningfully participate in question-driven discussions. Those selected will receive complimentary copies of American Politics: The Promise of Disharmony by Samuel Huntington. Sessions will take place between 5:30-6:45pm on the following Wednesdays: June 12, 26, and July 10. Food and drinks will be provided.
The application cycle for Summer 2024 is now closed.
Session I: The American Creed and National Identity
Date: Wednesday, June 12
Required: Huntington, pp. 1-60
Recommended: Charles Lane, "America is not exceptional after all." The Washington Post; Steve Lagerfeld, "America, the Exceptional?" The Hedgehog Review.
Watch: Is America Exceptional? "Conversation with Daniel Moynihan and Seymour Lipset."
SESSION 2: The Gap: The American Creed versus Political Authority
Date: Wednesday, June 26
Required: Huntington, pp. 61-166
Recommended: Francis Fukuyama, "Rotten to the Core?" Foreign Affairs.
SESSION 3: The Politics of Creedal Passion
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Required Reading: Huntington, pp. 167-264
Recommended Reading: Alex Hu, "Beyond Plato to Nato: Rethinking 'The West.'" The Hamiltonian; Lee Drutman, "Democracy on Life Support." American Purpose; Thomas Koenig, "Finally, a Nation." American Purpose.