Reviews
Rather than recounting American history as other books do, this one focuses on international relations and American values. Perhaps because the author is a former journalist, the book is easy to read and keeps you engaged through to the end. Since it was published in July, its subject feels especially relevant to the present. I’m glad I read it.
America acting as the world’s police, as it did in the past, was a problem, but so is America now, proclaiming America First and looking out only for its own interests. The United States is an indispensable presence for our country. This book makes it easy to understand what America is really like.
A history of the evolution of U.S. diplomacy. Japan’s geopolitical strategy regarding the division of the Korean Peninsula after the Pacific War was shocking. Easy to read and fascinating.
Lee Seong-dae: Why the U.S.
Written by a veteran journalist with 20 years of experience who formerly headed JTBC's International Affairs and Security Department, Why America? examines the nature of the United States and the international order it is reshaping through 18 questions Korean readers are likely to find compelling. It explores history and political culture that reveal the DNA behind America, from ‘Why did America go all in on real estate investment?’ and ‘How can someone become president after losing the popular vote?’ to questions touching on Korea's interests and peace: ‘Why didn't America see China’s betrayal coming?’, ‘Why do Biden and Trump seem much the same from outside the United States?’, ‘Why is North Korea the only country that still remains America’s sworn enemy among those it has fought?’, ‘Why doesn’t America side with us on historical disputes?’ and ‘Why is America so taken with the ‘South Korea–U.S.–Japan’ formula?’ Through these topics, the book examines the rapidly changing international climate of the 21st century and the hard-edged side of America First, its strategy of putting national interests first. As the U.S. presidential election approaches, this is an essential primer on America and an on-the-ground report from a working journalist for understanding the situation around the Korean Peninsula with clear eyes.
Korean title: 미국은 왜
Korean author: 이성대
Korean publisher: 부키
ISBN-13: 9791193528174
Reviews
Rather than recounting American history as other books do, this one focuses on international relations and American values. Perhaps because the author is a former journalist, the book is easy to read and keeps you engaged through to the end. Since it was published in July, its subject feels especially relevant to the present. I’m glad I read it.
America acting as the world’s police, as it did in the past, was a problem, but so is America now, proclaiming America First and looking out only for its own interests. The United States is an indispensable presence for our country. This book makes it easy to understand what America is really like.
A history of the evolution of U.S. diplomacy. Japan’s geopolitical strategy regarding the division of the Korean Peninsula after the Pacific War was shocking. Easy to read and fascinating.
