American isolationism/exceptionalism

If there is a recurrent pattern in American history, it is the tension between the U.S.'s isolationism and its exceptionalism.

Dictionary definitions -- Isolationism: "A national policy of abstaining from political or economic relations with other countries.

Exceptionalism: "The theory or belief that something, especially a nation, does not conform to a pattern or norm."

Of course, some would say, American "isolationism" and "exceptionalism" are two sides of the same coin:

American provincialism masquerating (unintentionally?) as superiority.

A worthy subject for discussion at State Department-sponsored "American Spaces" overseas.

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