Faith and Foreign Affairs in the American Century

Since World War I, the United States has dominated the world in almost every way, and in 1941, Life magazine publisher Henry Luce dubbed this period "the American Century." Faith and Foreign Affairs in the American Century explores the nature of public involvement in American diplomacy, conceived by the Council on Foreign Relations and influenced by the missionary couple Francis and Helen Miller. Mark Thomas Edwards provides a genealogy of the concept, highlighting the conflicts and cooperation between Christianity and secularism in the reimagining of the US as a global state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Since the conclusion of World War I, the United States has dominated the global landscape in nearly every aspect. In 1941, Life magazine publisher Henry Luce coined the term "the American Century" to describe the country's ascendant power. While his editorial was a statement of fact, it also served as a call to action for citizens to unite in promoting a world order that aligned with American interests.

Faith and Foreign Affairs in the American Century delves into the intricacies of public engagement in American diplomacy. This concept, which has been in the making for decades, was conceived by individuals connected to the country's foremost foreign policy think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations. Notably, the missionary couple Francis and Helen Miller played a significant role in shaping the American Century, as they tirelessly advocated for a radically democratic American empire. Their numerous partnerships encapsulated the interplay between Christianity and secularism in the long process of reimagining the United States as a global power.

In this study, Mark Thomas Edwards provides a genealogy of the concept of the American Century. Readers will journey through moments of Protestant Christian power and marginalization in the formation of modern American foreign relations. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical, social, and cultural factors that have shaped the United States' role in the world throughout the 20th century.

Through its insightful analysis and engaging narrative, Faith and Foreign Affairs in the American Century provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between religion, politics, and international relations. It sheds light on the ways in which religious beliefs and values have influenced American foreign policy decisions, as well as the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and future of the United States in the global arena.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498570138