From Universal Principals to Racial Superiority: The Role of Nationalism in American Foreign Policy

American type of nationalism, contrary to conventional forms of nationalism, is not rooted in soil, religion or ethnicity, rather it was formed around a set of shared universal values during the war of independence. This liberal interpretation of nationalism is unique and has survived throughout American history until the election of Donald Trump as president. Even before he assumed power, his vision of nationalism and American identity was in sharp contrast with the liberal interpretation of nationalism which the country had embraced since its birth. To him, “being an American” has some prerequisites which many immigrants don’t possess. The implementation of president trump’s interpretation of nationalism has polarized America and it is threatening to change the fabrics of American society. The menace does not cease here and has international ramifications for the Islamic world in general and Iran in particular.
This essay is divided into three major parts. In the first part the author will examine the complex issue of how nationalism was formed among American pioneers and its role as a foreign policy tool during different periods in U.S. history. The second part deals with the components of President Trumps version of nationalism and will shed light on the pedigrees of President Trump’s  animosity toward Islam in general and the Islamic republic of Iran in particular. Part three will be the conclusion.