The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding on July 4th. Whilst the country is living through deep changes in its global perception, it is well to remember that as an entity it has always been different: the first declared republic, rejecting monarchy or any form of inherited rule in favour of government by the people and for the people. A nation created by a Declaration of Independence, governed by a balance of power between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. These have now become the obvious markings of democratic rule, but at the time they were a startling innovation. Or, as the US likes to think of itself, an exception.
The past two years have definitely seen many global examples of US exceptionalism, be it in Greenland, Venezuela or Iran, as well as internal radical changes related to immigrants, the structure of government and the role of religion. But it may be that many of these were foretold, not least in the last lines of the US national anthem:
“Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - “In God is our trust”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Laurel Rapp, Director of the US and North America Programme at Chatham House, is an excellent guide to the US experiment and exceptionalism. In a conversation that takes her back to her work in the State Department and her school days, the foundations and meaning of US identity and uniqueness are beautifully revealed - and explain a lot of today’s realities!
This episode was recorded on 1 July 2026
Chapters
- The US 250th Anniversary significance
- Understanding American exceptionalism
- The legacy of Manifest Destiny
- Contradictions and cultural wars over US history
- Is the American dream dead?
- What is it to be a US diplomat?
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