#3827
Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Ugly American
Book • 1958
Published in 1958, 'The Ugly American' is a political novel that critiques American foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia.
The book, through a series of vignettes, highlights the incompetence and arrogance of many American diplomats and foreign service workers, contrasting them with a few dedicated and effective individuals like Homer Atkins, the 'Ugly American.
' Atkins, an engineer, works closely with local people, understands their needs, and implements simple yet effective solutions.
The novel led to significant political implications, including a congressional review of foreign aid and influencing the establishment of the Peace Corps during the Kennedy administration.
The book, through a series of vignettes, highlights the incompetence and arrogance of many American diplomats and foreign service workers, contrasting them with a few dedicated and effective individuals like Homer Atkins, the 'Ugly American.
' Atkins, an engineer, works closely with local people, understands their needs, and implements simple yet effective solutions.
The novel led to significant political implications, including a congressional review of foreign aid and influencing the establishment of the Peace Corps during the Kennedy administration.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 5 episodes
Mentioned by 
Michael Crowley while discussing a book that influenced President John F. Kennedy's perspective on foreign aid.
Michael Crowley while discussing a book that influenced President John F. Kennedy's perspective on foreign aid.
480 snips
The Demise of U.S.A.I.D. — and American Soft Power
Impacted Kennedy's views on how foreign policy in America should go.
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What was the purpose of USAID?
Mentioned by James Mukuyama as a book that influenced his approach to interacting with people in foreign countries.
11 snips
411: Faith, Family, and Flag, with General James "Mook" Mukoyama
Mentioned as inspiration for Bo Yang's book title.
Popeye, Prison, Soy Sauce and Satire: Bo Yang 柏楊 – S5-E17
Mentioned by Hugh Wilford when discussing the colonial lifestyle of US Foreign Service officers and its contrast with American values.
E203 - The CIA’s Imperial History, Pt 1 w/ Hugh Wilford
