The United States and Its Enemies (The United States' Adversaries and the Formation of American Political Science)—Translated from the Eastern Translation Series

Author: (American) Oren, translated by Tang Xiaosong and Wang Yiwai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: This book examines the ideological origins and practice of political science, challenging the traditional claim of objectivity in political science by asserting that "the political system is attached to its homeland rather than the democracy it claims." The author reveals the long-standing close relationship between American political scientists and national security agencies. Oren systematically presents the ideological "accommodationism" of the United States before conflicts with its primary adversaries—from the Williamite Germany, Nazi Germany, fascist Italy under Mussolini, to the Soviet Union under Stalin—and its "nationalism" after the conflicts. The phenomenon of politics and political science becoming entangled also recurs. This book is not only a review of historical facts but also urges academic institutions to approach moral disagreements in their work with greater sensitivity and to consider the fundamental nature of political science. Contemporary American linguistics master, known for his anti-establishment stance, Noam Chomsky, said: "Ido Oren challenges the self-proclaimed 'scientific image of American political science detached from politics and purely based on democratic ideals.'" This book will help the field of political science in China critically expose the ideological essence of American political science, rather than blindly and uncritically import it, thereby reflecting on the development path of Chinese political science and further promoting a comprehensive reflection on Western social sciences. It holds revolutionary implications for the construction of Chinese social sciences and scientific research.
Oren challenges the traditionally aloof image of American political science in the book, uncovering many uncomfortable truths about the "politicization" or "ideologization" within academia. This includes Woodrow Wilson, who served as U.S. President from 1913 to 1921, admiring the efficiency of the Prussian bureaucratic system; second, book reviews in The American Political Science Review showed a preference for Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf (English title: Mein Kampf); and third, political scientists' involvement in the "Peace Village" during the Vietnam War, a program developed in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973, and their interrogation and torture of Viet Cong prisoners. Oren reveals the long-standing close relationship between American political scientists and national security agencies. Oren also exposes John W. Burgess (English name: John W. Burgess), a highly influential figure in the field of political science, a professor of history and political science at Columbia University. Burgess was deeply pro-German and articulated his views that the Germanic people were politically superior to other ethnicities. In his 1890 essay Political Science and Comparative Constitution, which promoted Social Darwinism, Burgess stated that for barbaric peoples, there are no human rights, and only the Germanic people, including Anglo-Saxons, possess enduring political capacity. They should organize to educate the backward peoples of the world.
Oren systematically presents the ideological "accommodationism" of the United States before conflicts with its primary adversaries—from the monarchy-dominated Germany, Nazi Germany, fascist Italy under Mussolini, to the Soviet Union under Stalin—and its "nationalism" after the conflicts. The phenomenon of politics and political science becoming entangled also recurs. The United States and Its Enemies is not merely a review of historical facts; Oren also urges academic institutions to approach moral disagreements in their work with greater sensitivity and to consider the fundamental nature of political science.