On November 10; 1975; the General Assembly of United Nations passed Resolution 3379; which declared Zionism a form of racism. Afterward; a tall man with long; graying hair; horned-rim glasses; and a bowtie stood to speak. He pronounced his words with the rounded tones of a Harvard academic; but his voice shook with outrage: "The United States rises to declare; before the General Assembly of the United Nations; and before the world; that it does not acknowledge; it will not abide by; it will never acquiesce in this infamous act."This speech made Daniel Patrick Moynihan; the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; a celebrity; but as Gil Troy demonstrates in this compelling new book; it also marked the rise of neo-conservatism in American politics--the start of a more confrontational; national-interest-driven foreign policy that turned away from Kissinger's détente-driven approach to the Soviet Union--which was behind Resolution 3379. Moynihan recognized the resolution for what it was: an attack on Israel and a totalitarian assault against democracy; motivated by anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism. While Washington distanced itself from Moynihan; the public responded enthusiastically: American Jews rallied in support of Israel. Civil rights leaders cheered. The speech cost Moynihan his job--but soon won him a U.S. Senate seat. Troy examines the events leading up to the resolution; vividly recounts Moynihan's speech; and traces its impact in intellectual circles; policy making; international relations; and electoral politics in the ensuing decades. The mid-1970s represent a low-water mark of American self-confidence; as the country; mired in an economic slump; struggled with the legacy of Watergate and the humiliation of Vietnam. Moynihan's Moment captures a turning point; when the rhetoric began to change and a more muscular foreign policy began to find expression; a policy that continues to shape international relations to this day.
#381925 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 2012-12-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .90 x 9.20l; 1.20 #File Name: 0199856958432 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The book paints a picture of a hapless; well intentioned Latin America and a sinister predatory United States.By iceurozThis was required reading for a graduate course. It is important to gain a different perspective on US foreign policy and inter-American relations; and this book provides that perspective but unfortunately with writing that is sarcastic; inflammatory and biased. Smith aggressively seeks to demonize the United States; while portraying Latin American leaders as a saint-like. Moreover; Peter Smith is obviously a knowledgeable Latin Americanist and makes some excellent points; but he is missing a robust counter argument in his book. I would take his arguments more seriously if he would a.) acknowledge the agency and will (or lack thereof) of Latin Americans to improve their own situation; rather than to blame every unfortunate even on American foreign and domestic policy and b.) acknowledge that the United States is not at fault every time it seeks to preserve hemispheric interests (one of which is stability in its own backyard) rather than be a doormat to Latin American whims. The book paints a picture of a hapless; well intentioned Latin America and a sinister predatory United States. I am especially disappointed by Smith's handling of the immigration and war on drugs chapters which read like a rushed; sensational opinion piece that blames all of Latin america's woes on US domestic policy effects. Also; there are hardly any citations and the index is poorly constructed. All in all; the book is useful for getting an anti-US perspective; but loses some credibility due to it's sarcastic language; obvious bias; and lack of counterargument.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy M. LyA great book as it is informative and educational in it aims to discuss all important topics.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Beverly M. NolteIt's fine for me. Thank you.
