Nation building has been a ubiquitous component of American foreign policy during the last century. The United States has attempted to create and sustain nation-states that advance its interests and embody its ideals in places ranging from the Philippines to Vietnam to Iraq. At no time did Washington engage in nation building more intensively than during the Cold War. The United States deemed capturing the loyalties of the vast regions of the globe emerging from colonialism as crucial to the struggle against Communism. To achieve this end it launched vast efforts to carve diverse parts of Asia; Africa; and Latin America into reliable ''Free World'' allies. U.S. officials believed that; by providing the right kinds of resources; they could stimulate economic development and democratization in regions where neither of these phenomena had made significant inroads. This book examines one of the most extensive; costly; and arguably successful of these efforts - South Korea. Throughout these chapters; I have sought to demonstrate the agency of South Koreans in determining the ultimate impact of the United States on their society. To the extent that the U.S. influence could be called hegemonic; American hegemony was a dialectical process that Koreans played a significant role in shaping. To emphasize this point; I have approached the process of nation building from both sides through the use of American and Korean sources. This analysis makes it clear that the evolution of the South Korea we know today did not entirely reflect the will of Americans or Koreans. It was achieved only through constant negotiation between the two.
#146740 in Books Sterling 2016-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.10 x 1.70 x 8.60l; .0 #File Name: 1454922753288 pagesSterling
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Hamilton: The Illustrated Biography- A masterpiece and must read for anyone interested in Alexander HamiltonBy Gene PisasaleRichard Sylla has accomplished what few historians have done successfully over many decades: summarize and explain the life and accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton through the eyes of professor of finance with a focus on the history of business and banking. Alexander Hamilton's achievements were many- yet one stands above all the rest: his creation of the American banking system; which laid the foundation for economic growth and prosperity through Treasury Department operations; securities markets; public and private finance and numerous related applications. More than any other American; Hamilton put these things into existence and his policies- approved by George Washington- allowed them to come to fruition; giving rise to the most successful nation in human history. Sylla's book Hamilton: The Illustrated Biography is superb: a beautifully illustrated volume with hundreds of paintings; historical images and photographs and a narrative that flows and is easy to read; for both historians and non-history buffs; for both finance and non-finance people. I worked for 24 years in the investment and banking industries as a financial analyst and portfolio manager and have recently published a book on Hamilton focusing on his creation of the American financial system. In it; I quote Sylla and other scholars who have brought many facts to light about Hamilton's great contributions to America and the world. To get an idea of how well Hamilton's policies have worked; take a look around. America is by far the most successful; best governed nation on Earth where its citizens enjoy a wealth of advantages and freedoms only dreamed of by millions in other nations. All of these things occurred at least partly because Alexander Hamilton and the other Founding Fathers built the greatest republic on Earth. Yet it was Hamilton who stood above the rest in making sure the new government had the financial strength and wherewithal to survive and thrive going forward. In the two centuries since his policies were put into place; American industry has risen to the top ranking in the world; our system of government has been copied by many other nations and our freedoms used as yardsticks by which other nations and their citizens rate themselves. All of these things occurred due to Alexander Hamilton. Sylla's book is one of the very best narratives written on this great patriot in the last 50 years. It will be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. Anyone who wants to learn more about Hamilton and how America came to be what it is today should read this book. I give it 5-stars.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent publication that provides real insight into both the life ...By Ian Patrick AustinThis is an excellent publication that provides real insight into both the life of Hamilton and his decisive influence domestically and internationally. The clarity of the writing makes this work useful to all levels of interest in Hamilton; from those first learning about him and his work; or more experienced readers who will enjoy it as an excellent example of public education. The design and lay-out of the book is simply outstanding. A project of the highest quality.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Hamilton is a great bookBy C. FinleyI am still reading the book; but it is a fascinating book about a man I didn't know very much about. I love the lllustrations too. It is a great book.
